In Brief
A High Court cannot pass interim relief or status quo orders on a second appeal before formulating the substantial question of law required under Section 100 of the Civil Procedure Code. The appellants (legal heirs and defendants) challenged the High Court's interim order granting status quo without first framing such a question. The Supreme Court held that jurisdiction to entertain a second appeal arises only upon satisfaction that a substantial question of law is involved and after its formulation. Granting interim relief before this stage violates the statutory mandate. The Court set aside the High Court's order and allowed the appeal, emphasizing that inherent powers cannot override express statutory provisions.
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