Civil procedure code
Civil procedure code
Relevant Provisions
For plaint generally: The relevant rules regarding plaints are primarily found in
Order VII of the CPC. This order specifies what information must be included in a
plaint to ensure it is valid and actionable.
For Amendment: Under Order VI Rule 17 of the CPC, a party may amend their
pleadings at any stage of the proceedings before judgment is pronounced.
Q- 6
10. Return of plaint.__
The plaint shall at any stage of the suit be returned to be presented to the Court
in which the suit should have been instituted. ( if the jurisdiction is not correct )
Procedure on returning plaint. On returning a plaint the Judge shall endorse
thereon the date of its presentation and return, the name of the party presenting
it, and a brief statement of the reasons for returning it.
Grounds for Returning a Plaint
A court may return a plaint if:
1. Defective: The plaint is defective in form or content.
2. Lack of Jurisdiction: The court lacks jurisdiction to try the suit.
3. Insufficient Stamp Duty: The plaint does not bear sufficient stamp duty.
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4. Non-Compliance with Rules: The plaint does not comply with the rules of the
court.
5. Frivolous or Vexatious: The plaint is frivolous or vexatious.
If a court returns a plaint, the plaintiff may be given an opportunity to rectify the defects
and re-file the plaint.
If Question’s answer short add it with difference of return and rejection of plaint
Conclusion
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Civil procedure code
Q-1 Amendments
RELEVANT PROVISION: Order VI Rule 16, 17 and 18
WHEN ALLOWED:
An application to amend any pleading is allowed if it fulfils 2 essential conditions:
a. The amendment sought must be essential for the purpose of determining the
real question of controversy between parties.
b. The amendment sought must not cause injustice to the opposite party.
WHEN NOT ALLOWED: No party should be allowed to amend his pleading.
a. to set up a new case or a new cause of action
b. if such amendment is not necessary
c. if such amendment causes injustice to the opposite party
d. when it has the effect of wholly displacing the case
e. when application is not made in good faith
PURPOSE: Sometimes it is necessary to make an amendment to the pleading before
or during the trial.
Correction or errors
Clarification of issues
Receiving new information
New documents come to light
Limitations on Amendment
1. Time Limit: Amendments must be made within a specified time limit.
2. Leave of Court: The court may refuse leave to amend if it would cause undue
delay or prejudice.
3. Prejudice to Opponent: Amendments that cause prejudice to the opponent may
not be allowed
RULE 16: Sticking out pleading
The Court may at any stage of the proceedings order to be struck out or amended any
matter in any pleading which may be unnecessary or scandalous or which may tend to
prejudice, embarrass or delay the fair trial of the suit.
Rule 16 applies when a party seeks to amend the application of the opposite party
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Conclusion
Civil procedure code
Question No. 2
Introduction
An ex-parte decree is a legal decision made by a court in the absence of one party,
typically the defendant. This occurs when the defendant fails to appear in court despite
being duly notified. The (CPC) 1908 outlines the circumstances under which an ex-
parte decree can be passed, as well as the procedures available for setting it aside.
Understanding these provisions is essential for ensuring fair legal proceedings and
protecting the rights of all parties involved.
Relevant Provisions Order -- IX
Order VIII, Rule 10: If a defendant fails to file a written statement within 30 days
of receiving the summons (which can be extended up to 90 days), the court may
pass an ex-parte decree against them.
Order IX, Rule 6: This rule allows for an ex-parte decree if the defendant fails to
appear at the hearing after being properly served.
Definition and Circumstances for Ex-Parte Decree
According to Order IX of the CPC, an ex-parte decree can be issued when:
The defendant does not appear in court after being served with a summons.
The plaintiff is present and ready to proceed with the case.
The court has the discretion to hear the case based on the evidence presented
by the plaintiff.
APPEARANCE OF PARTIES AND CONSEQUENCE OF NON-APPEARANCE
1. Appearance of Parties
Requirement to Appear: On the date fixed by the court, both parties must
appear in person or through their legal representatives (pleaders). This ensures
that the case can be heard and decided.
Hearing: If both parties are present, the court will proceed with the hearing
unless it is adjourned to a later date.
2. Consequences of Non-Appearance
A. Plaintiff's Failure to Appear
Dismissal of Suit: If the plaintiff fails to appear and has not paid necessary court
fees or postal charges for serving summons, the court may dismiss the suit.
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However, if the defendant appears despite the summons not being served, the
dismissal may not occur.
B. Defendant's Failure to Appear
Ex Parte Proceedings: If only the plaintiff appears and proves that the
summons was duly served on the defendant, the court may proceed with ex
parte proceedings. This means the case will be decided based on the evidence
presented by the plaintiff without hearing from the defendant.
Second Summons: If it is found that the summons was not duly served, a
second summons will be issued for the defendant.
Postponement: If the summons was served but not in sufficient time for the
defendant to appear, the court will postpone the hearing and notify the defendant
of the new date.
3. Dismissal When Neither Party Appears
Dismissal Order: If neither party appears when called for hearing, the court may
dismiss the suit altogether.
4. Fresh Suit or Restoration of Dismissed Suit
Where a suit is dismissed under rule 2 or rule 3,
Bringing a Fresh Suit: If a suit is dismissed due to non-appearance, the plaintiff
can file a fresh suit subject to limitation laws.
Restoration Application: The plaintiff may also apply to have the dismissal set
aside if they can show sufficient cause for their absence or failure to pay required
fees. If satisfied, the court will restore the suit and appoint a new date for hearing.
5. Dismissal after Unserved Summons
Failure to Apply for Fresh Summons: If a summons issued to the defendant is
returned unserved and the plaintiff does not apply for a fresh summons within
three months, the court will dismiss the suit against that defendant.
Exceptions: The dismissal will not occur if the plaintiff can demonstrate that:
o They made genuine efforts to locate the defendant.
o The defendant is intentionally avoiding service.
o There is another valid reason for not applying for a fresh summons.
Bringing a Fresh Suit: If the suit is dismissed, the plaintiff may file a fresh suit,
provided it complies with limitation laws.
6. Procedure When Only Plaintiff Appears
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Where the plaintiff appears and the defendant does not appear when the suit is
called on for hearing, then
Duly Served Summons: If it is proven that summons was duly served and only
the plaintiff appears, an ex parte decree can be passed against the defendant.
Unduly Served Summons: If it is not proven that summons was duly served, a
second summons will be issued.
Postponement Due to Plaintiff's Default: If it is due to plaintiff's fault that
summons was not duly served, they must bear any costs incurred due to
postponement.
Costs Due to Plaintiff's Default in Service of Summons
If the summons was not properly served or was not served in sufficient time because of
the plaintiff's default, the court will require the plaintiff to pay the costs resulting from the
postponement of the hearing.
7. Good Cause for Previous Non-Appearance
Ex Parte Adjournment: If the court has adjourned the hearing ex parte and the
defendant appears later, they can explain their previous non-appearance.
Hearing Allowed: If the defendant provides a valid reason, the court may allow
them to be heard as if they had appeared on the original date.
1. Only Defendant Appears
Plaintiff's Absence: If only the defendant is present when the case is called:
o The court will dismiss the suit unless the defendant admits to the claim.
o If part of the claim is admitted, a decree will be issued for that part, and
the remainder will be dismissed.
9. Decree against plaintiff by default bars fresh suit.
Default Dismissal: If a suit is dismissed due to the plaintiff's non-appearance,
they cannot file a new suit on the same cause of action.
Setting Aside Dismissal: The plaintiff can apply to have the dismissal set aside
if they provide a sufficient reason for their absence.
10. Non-Attendance of Multiple Plaintiffs
Proceeding with Present Plaintiffs: If some plaintiffs appear and others do not,
the court may allow the suit to proceed with those present.
11. Non-Attendance of Multiple Defendants
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Conclusion
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Question -- 3
Introduction
In civil litigation, a plaint is a formal document filed by a plaintiff to initiate a lawsuit. It
outlines the plaintiff's claims, the facts supporting those claims, and the relief sought
from the court. However, not all plaints are accepted by the court; some may be
rejected based on specific legal grounds. The (CPC) 1908 provides guidelines on the
rejection of plaints to ensure that only valid claims proceed to trial. Understanding these
grounds for rejection helps maintain judicial efficiency and prevents frivolous lawsuits.
Relevant Provisions
The primary provision governing the rejection of plaints is found in Order VII, Rule 11 of
the CPC. This rule specifies the circumstances under which a plaint can be rejected by
the court. The grounds for rejection include:
Ground of rejection
While Order VII Rule 11 outlines specific grounds for rejection, courts also have
discretion to reject plaints based on other factors not explicitly mentioned in this
rule if justified by law. For example:
8. Lack of Jurisdiction: If the court lacks jurisdiction over the subject matter or
parties involved, it may reject the plaint.
9. Non-joinder or Misjoinder of Parties: A plaint may be dismissed if necessary
parties are not included (non-joinder) or irrelevant parties are included
(misjoinder).
10. Failure to File in Duplicate: The court requires that a plaint be filed in duplicate
so that one copy can be served on the defendant while retaining another for its
records. If a plaint is not filed in duplicate, it may be rejected due to procedural
non-compliance. This requirement helps ensure that all parties have access to
necessary documentation for fair proceedings.
11. General Discretion of Courts: Beyond these specific grounds, courts retain
discretion under Rule 11 to reject any plaint that does not meet legal standards
or procedural requirements. This broad discretion allows courts to dismiss cases
that may otherwise abuse judicial processes or lack substantive merit.
Conclusion
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Civil procedure code
Question 4
Introduction
Relevant Provisions
The provisions regarding written statements are primarily found in Order VIII of the
CPC. This order details how defendants should prepare and submit their written
statements, including timelines and specific content requirements.
Rule 1 to 13
1. Written Statement
Defendants are required to present a written statement of their defense at or
before the first hearing, or within a time frame permitted by the court.
The standard period for filing this statement shall not generally exceed thirty
days.
2. New Facts Must Be Specially Pleaded
Defendants must raise all matters in their pleadings that demonstrate the suit
is not maintainable or that the transaction is void or voidable.
This includes defenses that could surprise the opposing party, such as fraud,
limitation, release, payment, performance, or illegality.
3. Denial to Be Specific
General denials are insufficient; defendants must specifically address each
factual allegation made by the plaintiff, except regarding damages.
4. Evasive Denial
A defendant denying an allegation must do so directly and substantively. For
example, if accused of receiving a specific sum, they must deny receipt of
that sum or clarify what was received.
5. Specific Denial
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Any fact in the plaint that is not specifically denied or stated as not admitted
will be deemed admitted unless it concerns a person under disability.
The court may require proof of any fact admitted by implication.
6. Particulars of Set-Off
In cases where the defendant claims a set-off against the plaintiff's monetary
demand, they must include this claim in their written statement at the first
hearing.
The written statement for set-off has the same effect as a plaint in a cross-
suit, allowing the court to issue a final judgment on both the original claim and
the set-off.
The rules governing written statements by defendants also apply to
statements addressing claims for set-off.
7. Defence or Set-Off Founded on Separate Grounds
Defendants must clearly state each distinct ground for their defence or set-off
based on separate facts.
8. New Grounds of Defence
Any new grounds of defence that arise after the suit has started or after a
written statement claiming a set-off can be introduced by either party in their
written statement.
9. Subsequent Pleadings
No further pleadings are allowed after the defendant's written statement
unless the court grants permission. The court may also require additional
written statements from any party at any time.
10. Procedure for Failure to Present Written Statement
If a party fails to submit the required written statement within the specified
time, the court may issue a judgment against that party or make other
appropriate orders regarding the suit.
11. Address for Service
All parties must file their address for service with the court by the date
specified in the summons or notice.
This address will be recorded in the Register of Suits.
Relevant rules from Order VII apply to addresses for service.
12. Consequences of Failing to File Address
If a party does not file an address for service, the court may compel them to
do so. Failure to comply can result in their defence being struck out, placing
them in a position as if they had not defended.
13. List of Legal Representatives of Defendant
The written statement must include names and addresses of potential legal
representatives in case of the defendant's death.
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Conclusion
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Question 5
At the first hearing of a civil suit, t
1. Primary Document:
Document on Which Plaintiff Sues: The plaintiff must produce any document they are
relying on for their claim, which is in their possession or power.
2. Copy of the Document: Copy for Court Records: A copy of the primary document
must be filed with the plaint when it is presented.
3. List of Additional Documents: Other Supporting Documents: Any other documents
that the plaintiff intends to rely on as evidence must be listed and annexed to the plaint,
even if they are not in the plaintiff's possession.
4. Documents Ordered by Court: Court-Ordered Documents: Any documents that the
court has specifically ordered to be produced must also be presented at this time.
5. Shop-Book Entries (if applicable): Entries in Shop-Books: If the claim involves
entries from shop-books or accounts, the original book and a copy of the relevant entry
must be produced.
6. Negotiable Instruments (if applicable): Lost Negotiable Instruments: If the suit is
based on a negotiable instrument that is lost, an indemnity should be provided to allow
for proceeding without the original document.
1. Production of Documents
Documents in Possession: A plaintiff must produce any document they are
suing upon at the time of filing the plaint and provide a copy for court records.
List of Additional Documents: Any other documents relied upon must be listed
and annexed to the plaint, regardless of whether they are in the plaintiff's
possession.
Civil procedure code