Important Legal Definitions

A discretionary doctrine where a court, although possessing valid jurisdiction over a dispute, declines to exercise it because another forum or court is significantly more convenient, appropriate, and accessible for the parties and the production of evidence.

Two Indian companies execute an agreement in Mumbai to develop an IT facility in Hyderabad. One party sues the other in the High Court of Delhi (where a branch liaison office exists). The Delhi court invokes forum non conveniens and directs the parties to pursue the litigation in Mumbai or Hyderabad.