Private International Law

Unit 1 — Introduction :

1. Meaning and definition of Private International Law · 2. Historical development of Private International Law and Indian Private International Law · 3. Nature, scope, theories and sources of Private International Law · 4. Relationship between Public International Law and Private International Law

• Definition, meaning and scope of private international law
• Theories concerning private international law
• Sources of private international law

Unit 2 — Classification / characterization

1. Meaning, and nature of problem requiring characterization · 2. Concept and theories of characterization - based on lex fori, lex causae; Two- fold characterization (primary and secondary), Comparative Law · 3. Process and stages of characterization · a) Characterization of factual situation · b) Characterization of connecting factor · c) Characterization of proper law · 4. Doctrine of renvoi : Meaning, process and theories of renvoi · a) The mutual disclaimer theory · b) The theory of renvoi proper · c) The foreign court theory

• Primary Characterization — defining the legal nature of the cause of action
• Determining the connecting factor — articulating the relevant private international law Principles
• Delimitation and application of lex causae
• Doctrine of Renvoi

Unit 3 — Concept of Domicile

1. General principles / fundamental Principles · 2. Elements – intention and residence · 3. Kinds · 4. Domicile of Origin · 5. Domicile of Choice · 6. Domicile of dependence: married women, minor children, lunatics. · 7. Domicile of corporation

• Domicile as deciding factor
• Concept of Domicile
• Common Law Approach
• Indian Approach

Unit 4 — Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage

1. Material and Formal Validity of Marriage under Indian and English Law. · 2. Choice of Law and Jurisdiction of Courts in Matrimonial Causes · 3. Dissolution of Marriage, Grounds of Divorce, Restitution of Conjugal Rights · 4. Recognition of Foreign Judgments

• Jurisdiction and Choice of Law Issues in Family Matters
• Marriage and Matrimonial Causes
• Enforcement of foreign Judgments

Unit 5 — Legitimacy, Legitimation and Adoption –

1. What law governs legitimacy - Legitimation and Succession · 2. Essential conditions of adoption under Indian and English law · 3. Recognition of foreign adoption · 4. Choice of law and jurisdiction of the courts. · 5. Guardianship and custody under Indian and English Law. · 6. Hague Conference on Private International Law

• Legitimacy and Legitimation
• Adoption, Guardianship and Child Custody (Jurisdiction and Choice of Law Issues)
• Hague Conference on Private International Law

Unit 6 — Foreign Judgments

1. Basis and conditions of recognition of foreign judgments · 2. Recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments Indian and English law- direct execution of foreign decrees · 3. Recognition and Enforcement of Arbitral awards

• Enforcement of foreign Judgments
• Need recognizing foreign judgments 8.2 Limitations in recognizing and enforcement
• Section 13, 14 and 444 of C.P.C. and S. 41 of the Indian Evidence Act

Unit 7 — Law of Property:

1. Movable and Immovable Property · 2. Transfer of Tangible Movables · 3. Assignment of Intangible Movables · 4. Insolvency · 5. Succession

Unit 8 — Contract and Tort Law:

1. Evolution Of modern proper law theory · 2. Rome Convention on the Law applicable to Contractual Obligations · 3. English and Indian position · 4. Theories lex fori, lex loci delicti, proper law or social environmental theory, development of proper law of tort cases – UK and Indian Position · 5. Choice of Law in Tort Under the Private International Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995, Ss.9,10, 11,12 & 14 Regulation (EC) No 864/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 July 2007 on the law applicable to non-contractual obligations (Rome II) – Articles 1, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15

• Governing Law and Transnational Contracts — Common Law and Indian Law
• Rome Regulation I on Contractual Obligations
• Torts and Rome Regulation II [Non-Contractual Obligation]