1. Petition challenges rejection of application to file Hindi translation of Urdu jamabandis already on record. (Para 1 , 3 )
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2026 Supreme(Online)(HP) 243
IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA
Bipin Chander Negi, J
Dharam Singh – Appellant
Versus
Parma Ram – Respondent
Civil Revision No. 115 of 2025
Advocates:
For the Appellants/Petitioners: Ajay Sharma, Tarun Brakta
For the Respondents: R.L. Chaudhary
For the Appellants/Petitioners: Ajay Sharma, Tarun Brakta
For the Respondents: R.L. Chaudhary
Where a document is already exhibited, a translated version thereof can be placed on record without a formal application, ensuring the opposing party has an opportunity to contest the translation's accuracy.
Headnote:(A) Civil Procedure - Production of Documents - Translated copies - Where the original document is already on record, placing a translated version of the same on record does not require a formal application, provided the court ensures the translation is true and allows the opposite party an opportunity to verify or provide their own translation. (Para 4, 5)
Issues: Whether translated copies of documents already on record can be produced at the stage of final arguments.
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Table of Contents
2. Applicant sought to place Hindi translations; respondent opposed citing belated stage and inadmissibility. (Para 3 )
3. Trial court rejected application as belated, lacking cogent reasons, and translations not per se admissible. (Para 3 )
4. When a document is already exhibited, a translated copy can be placed on record without formal application. (Para 4 )
5. Petition disposed of; Hindi translation taken on record; reasonable opportunity given to other side. (Para 5 , 6 )
6. Can a translated copy of an already exhibited document be placed on record without a formal application?
Yes, the court need only ensure the translation is true; no formal application is required when the original is already exhibited. (Para 4 )
7. What procedure should a court follow for accepting a translated version of a document?
The court should allow both parties to file translations or agree on a correct one, or get an official translation done at the party's expense. (Para 4 )
Bipin Chander Negi, Judge
The present petition has been preferred against the impugned order dated 03.06.2025, whereby an application filed under Order 7 Rule 14(3) read with Section 151 of the CPC for producing and tendering in evidence certified copies of jamabandis translated from Urdu to Hindi regarding the suit land has been rejected.
2. Heard counsel for the parties and perused the impugned order and the documents appended along with the petition.
3. The Jamabandis in Urdu are already on record. All that is sought to be placed on record are the Hindi translations thereof. The learned trial Court rejected the aforesaid application on the ground that the translation sought to be placed on record are not per se admissible. Other than the aforesaid, it has been mentioned in the impugned order that the same are sought to be produced at the stage, when the matter is fixed for final arguments. Since there exist no cogent reasons for producing the same at such highly belated stage, therefore, the application has been rejected. Other than the aforesaid, yet another reason cited for the rejection of the same is that filling up of lacunas is not permissible at such belated stage.
4. A similar question arose before a Coordinate Bench of this Court in CMPMO No. 356 of 2023, wherein, after referring to the judgment of the Apex Court in Chandreshwar Bhuthnath Devasthan vs. Baboy Matiram Varenkar , (2018) 12 SCC 548, the Coordinate Bench held as follows:-
“8. Therefore, it is evident from the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court that in a case where a document already stands exhibited and a prayer is to place on record a translated copy thereof, there is no requirement of filing any application to place on record the translated version of the document and all that the Court has to ensure is that the translated version is the true translated version of the document concerned and for that purpose, as has been held by the Hon'ble Supreme Court also, opportunity should be given to both the parties to file translated version of the document and/or to agree on a correct translation filed by a party. Alternatively, the Court can also get the translation done on the expense of the party through the official Translator.”
5. In the aforesaid backdrop, Hindi translation filed by the present petitioner before the learned trial Court are ordered to be taken on record and one reasonable opportunity be afforded to the other side to place on record the translated version of the jamabandis in question.
6. In the aforesaid terms, present petition stands disposed of, so also the pending miscellaneous applications(s), if any.
Parties are directed to appear before the learned trial Court on 13.01.2026.
