Small Claims Tribunals Act 1984 · 2020 Revised Edition · Part 2 · Establishment and Jurisdiction of Tribunals
5. Jurisdiction of tribunal
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A tribunal hears specified claims served in Singapore. It cannot hear property damage claims from motor vehicle accidents. It usually cannot hear claims above the prescribed limit or over 2 years old. A memorandum signed by the parties lets it hear claims up to the prescribed extended limit. It must stop claims beyond its powers and tell the parties.
Summary · Drafted with AI, checked against the official text on 30 Sep 2026.
Last amended by an amending law of 2018. 2 amendments in all.
Subject to the provisions of this Act, a tribunal has the jurisdiction to hear and determine any claim which —
tribunal
“tribunal” means a Small Claims Tribunal constituted under section 4 of the State Courts Act 1970;
is a specified claim; and
is served in Singapore on the respondent under section 19(1).
The jurisdiction of a tribunal does not extend to a claim —
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
which the State Courts have no jurisdiction to hear and determine.
Except where this Act expressly provides otherwise, the jurisdiction of a tribunal does not extend to a claim —
the value of which exceeds the prescribed limit; or
after the expiry of 2 years after the date on which the cause of action accrued.
Subject to subsections (1) and (2), a tribunal has jurisdiction to hear and determine any claim the value of which exceeds the prescribed limit but does not exceed the prescribed extended limit, if the parties to the claim so agree by a memorandum signed by them.
prescribed limit
“prescribed limit” means $20,000 or such other sum as the Minister may, after consultation with the Chief Justice, prescribe by order in the Gazette;
Where a tribunal is of the opinion that a claim lodged with it pursuant to section 15(1) is beyond its jurisdiction, the tribunal must discontinue the proceedings and advise the claimant and respondent accordingly.
claimant
“claimant” means a person who lodges a claim with a tribunal and includes any person who becomes a party to the proceedings on any claim in the capacity of a claimant;