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In force2024 Revised Edition
Contents

Part · Jurisdiction

5. Jurisdiction of tribunal

In plain English

A tribunal hears claims over contracts to sell goods or provide services. It also hears tort claims for property damage, except damage from motor vehicle accidents. Usually, a claim cannot exceed the prescribed limit or come after one year from when the cause of action arose. It may hear claims from before the Act began, subject to the Limitation Act.

Summary · Drafted with AI, checked against the official text on 30 Sep 2026.

(1)

Subject to the provisions of this Act, a tribunal shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine —

(a)

any claim relating to a dispute arising from any contract for the sale of goods or the provision of services; and

(b)

any claim in tort in respect of damage caused to any property.

(2)

The jurisdiction of a tribunal shall not extend to a claim —

(a)

in respect of damage caused to any property by an accident arising out of or in connection with the use of a motor vehicle; or

(b)

which the subordinate courts have no jurisdiction to hear and determine.

Small Claims Tribunals 10

(3)

Except where this Act expressly provides otherwise, the jurisdiction of a tribunal shall not extend to a claim —

(a)

which exceeds the prescribed limit; or

(b)

after the expiration of one year from the date on which the cause of action accrued.

(4)

Where a tribunal is of the opinion that a claim filed with it pursuant to section 15(1) is beyond its jurisdiction, it shall discontinue all proceedings and advise the claimant and the defendant accordingly.

(5)

A claim within the jurisdiction of the tribunal may be brought in another court if there is included in such claim a claim for some other relief, redress or remedy, other than a claim for costs.

(6)

Subject to the Limitation Act (Chapter 14), the jurisdiction of the tribunal shall extend to a claim which arose before the commencement of this Act.

Part

Commencement of Proceedings

Part

Procedure

Part

Review and Appeal

Part

General