The fundamental rules of pleading, particularly in the context of drafting a plaint (a formal written statement of claim in a civil suit), are essential to ensure clarity, precision, and legal sufficiency. These rules are primarily derived from the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC) — especially Order VI (General Rules of Pleading) and Order VII (Plaint). Below is an explanation of these fundamental rules:
🔷 Fundamental Rules of Pleading in Drafting a Plaint:
1. Facts, Not Law
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Only material facts should be stated, not the evidence or law.
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Legal conclusions or arguments should be left for the court.
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Example: Say “Defendant borrowed ₹1,00,000 on 1st Jan 2024,” rather than “Defendant is liable under Section 73 of the Contract Act.”
2. Material Facts Only
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Only those facts that are necessary to constitute the cause of action should be included.
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Avoid unnecessary or irrelevant details.
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Example: If the case is about non-payment of loan, plaintiff need not narrate how the parties first met.
3. No Evidence Required
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A plaint should not include evidence that will prove the facts.
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Evidence is to be produced during trial, not in the pleading.
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Example: Don't attach or describe bank statements or receipts in the plaint.
4. Conciseness and Clarity
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Pleadings must be clear, precise, and unambiguous.
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Avoid long-winded or confusing language.
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Use simple and direct sentences to convey each point.
5. Statements in Paragraphs and Chronological Order
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Facts should be stated in separate, numbered paragraphs, preferably in the order of events.
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This enhances readability and legal clarity.
6. Cause of Action
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The plaint must show that the plaintiff has a cause of action — a set of facts that gives rise to a legal claim.
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The absence of cause of action may lead to rejection of the plaint.
7. Jurisdiction
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The plaint must mention how the court has territorial and pecuniary jurisdiction over the case.
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Example: “The cause of action arose in Bilaspur, and the value of the suit is ₹4,00,000, which falls within the jurisdiction of this Hon’ble Court.”
8. Relief Claimed
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The prayer or relief section must specify clearly what the plaintiff seeks.
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Example: “A decree for ₹1,00,000 with 12% interest per annum from 01.01.2024 till realization.”
9. Verification
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The plaint must end with a verification clause, affirming that the facts stated are true to the plaintiff’s knowledge and belief.
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It must be signed and verified by the plaintiff or their authorized agent.
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