CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF PLAINTS IN A CIVIL SUIT

Chapter 1
Introduction to Plaint

1.1 Introduction
In plaint, plaintiff should allege facts about his cause of action. In fact, plaint consists of
some contents, and it is mandatory that such contents should be present in plaint. It is a first
duty of court, before which a suit is instituted to properly examine the plaint, for the purpose
of determining, whether it should be returned, or rejected and in order to determine, the
question of rejection it is the responsibility the court to take consideration other materials too,
Order VII, Rule 11 of CPC narrate cases where plaint should be rejected. According to
section 26 of the Code of the Civil Procedure every suit shall be instituted by the presentation
of a plaint.1 Once the plaint is ready, it is to be filed in the court which has both territorial and
pecuniary jurisdiction. According to section 15 of the CPC a suit trial by a civil court must be
instituted in the court of the lowest grade competent to try it. Once a plaint is taken to the
court, the court officer, the date of filing shall also be stamped on the plaint as soon as it is
filed. Once this is done a civil suit is said to have been started. The machinery of a court is set
in motion by the presentation of a plaint, which is the first stage in a civil suit.2
A civil suit can be filed by presentation of a Plaint before the appropriate court Plaint
contains name of the court, parties names and addresses, cause(s) of action and relief sought
etc. (Order VII, Rule 1, Code of Civil Procedure,1908). A litigant must read and verify that
the plaint clearly shows the cause of action of the suit and must be cautious that the suit is not
barred by limitation, otherwise, a plaint may be rejected under order VII, rule XI of the said
Code. Appropriate legal counsel may be sought to check the abovementioned matters.
Requisite Court fees should be attached with the Plaint. Court fees can be either fixed or
based on ad-valorem basis. Once a plaint is ready, it will be filed with the concerned court
having jurisdiction. A civil suit has to be filed in the court of lowest grade competent to try it.
Learned advocate should prepare a bundle for court which includes plaint, vokalotnama
(power given to Lawyer by client), list of documents upon which the claimant(s) rely on,
process fee, notice of summon, copies of the plaint as required depending on the number of
defendants. Thereafter, the plaint including other necessary documents should be submitted
1
The Code of the Civil Procedure, 1908. (Act No V of 1908).
2
Md. Abdul Halim, The Legal System of Bangladesh, 1st ed., (Dhaka: CCB Foundation, 2004). p. 164.

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before the concerned court officer, who shall examine, inter alia, territorial and pecuniary
jurisdiction and requisite court fees paid thereof. After such examination he will put a case
number of the suit and will enter the suit into a register which is called the register of the
suits. The date of filing shall also be stamped on the plaint as soon as it is filed. When all the
above procedures are completed, a civil suit starts its journey.

1.2 Plaint under the statutory law of Bangladesh of the Code of Civil Procedure,1908
Section 26 provides that every suit shall be instituted by the presentation of a plaint or in such
other manner as may be prescribed. Order IV, Rule 1 lays down the procedure for institution
of suit; but does not speak of any other manner for the purpose. The amendment makes it
clear that unless the plaint is filed in duplicate it will be deemed to be incomplete. Sub-rule
(3) has been inserted in order to curtail unnecessary adjournments for due compliance of the
provisions of sub-rules (1) and (2) after the filing of the plaint.
Rules 1 to 8 of Order VII relate to particulars in a plaint. Rule 9 lays down procedure on
plaint being admitted. Whereas Rule 10 provides for return of plaint, Rules 11 to 13 deal with
rejection of plaint. Rules 14 to 18 contain provisions relating to production of documents.3

Chapter 2
Particulars of the Plaint

2.1 Defination of Plaint

The expression plaint has not been defined in the code. . A plaint or otherwise known in
Bengali as an Arji is a document where the facts and grounds of claim are stated clearly
and concisely. However, it can be said to be a statement of claim, a document, by
presentation of which the suit is instituted. Its object is to state the grounds upon which the
assistance of the court is sought by the plaintiff. It is a pleading of the plaintiff.4
Black's Law Dictionary provides that A private memorial tendered in open court to the
judge, where the party injured sets forth his cause of action. 5 A proceeding in inferior courts
by which an action is commenced without original writ. This mode of proceeding is
commonly adopted in cases of replevin. In the civil law. particularly one for setting aside a
testament alleged to be invalid. This word is the English equivalent of the Latin que- rela,

3
The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, Sec. 26, Order IV, Order VII
4
C. K. Takwani, Civil Procedure, 5th ed., (Lucknow: Eastern Book Company, 2006). P. 157.
5
Black's Law Dictionary

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Radheshyam Agrawal vs Hariom Trading Co. And Ors. on 12 August, 19916:
Indeed, "Plaint" has not been statutorily defined. But it should contain necessary and
relevant facts constituting the cause of action. The counterclaim need not necessarily be
confined to the claim made against the plaintiff, and if for its effective adjudication besides
the plaintiff other interested persons should be made parties, they should be impleaded, if the
court is satisfied that without them the adjudication will be incomplete. Order 8, Rule 6-A,
C.P.C. does not say as to who shall be parties to the counter-claim. The provisions as to
joinder of parties under Order 1, Rule 10, of C.P.C. would also apply to counter-claim, no
doubt, subject to the condition that persons impleaded are necessary and proper parties for an
effective adjudication of the questions involved. The submission that Order 8, Rule 6-A does
not enable the participation of persons who are not already parties to the suit is difficult to
accept.Finally can say that" Plaint is written statement of plaintiffs claim. Through
plaint, plaintiff describes his cause of action and other necessary particulars to seek
remedy from court for redressed of his grievances.

2.2 Particulars of Plaint

a. Every plaint should contain the following particular:

b. The name of the court in which the suit is brought;
c. The name, description and place of residence of the plaintiff and defendant;
d. Where the plaintiff or defendant is a minor or a person of un sound mind, a statement
to that effect;
e. The facts constituting the cause of action and when it arose;
f. The facts showing that the court has jurisdiction;
g. A statement of the value of the subject- matter of the suit for the purpose of
jurisdiction and court-fees;
h. The relief claimed by the plaintiff, simply or in the alternative;
i. Where the plaintiff files a suit in a representative capacity, the facts showing that the
plaintiff has an actual existing interest in the subject matter and that he has taken steps
that may be necessary to enable him to file such a suit;
j. Where the suit is for recovery of money, the precise amount claimed;
k. Where the plaintiff has allowed a set-off or relinquished a portion of his claim, the
amount so allowed or relinquished;

6
Radheshyam Agrawal vs Hariom Trading Co. And Ors. on 12 August, 1991

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 l. Where the suit is for accounts or menses or for movables in the possession of the
defendant or for debts which cannot be determined, the approximate amount or value
thereof;
m. Where the subject-matter of the suit is immovable property a description of the
property sufficient to identify it, e.g. boundaries, survey numbers, etc;
n. Where the suit is time-barred, the ground upon which the exemption from the law of
o. limitation is claimed;7

2.3 Particulars of claim to be annexed to plaint

Where the plaintiff seeks to recover a debt or a liquidated sum of money, there shall be
annexed to the plaint particulars of the plaintiffs claim.

2.4 Plaint to be verified and before whom

All plaints shall be verified, within the local jurisdiction,8 before one of the officers of the
Court appointed in that behalf and elsewhere in Bangladesh before the officer indicated by
the Code of Civil Procedure, section 139. The verification shall be in Form No. 3. Bharamu
Subrao Patil v. Narsingrao Gurunath Patil,

2.5 Plaint to be lodged before presentation

A plaint in which leave of the Court is to be applied for shall, except in cases of special
urgency, be lodged for examination with the officer attending on the Judge in Chambers
before 4.15 p.m. on the day previous to its being presented to the Judge and the plaintiff or
his Advocate on record shall attend before the Judge at the time of presentation.
All other plaints shall be lodged with such officer as the Prothonotary and Senior Master may
direct.Bharamu Subrao Patil v. Narsingrao Gurunath Patil, AIR 2001 9.The Office time for
lodgment of all Court proceedings shall be from 11-00 a.m. to 5-30 p.m., except lunch time,
from Monday to Friday (except holidays) and from 11-00 a.m. to 4-15 p.m., except lunch
time, on office working Saturdays.]

7
Ibid.
8
Subrao Patil v. Narsingrao Gurunath Patil,
9
Bharamu Subrao Patil v. Narsingrao Gurunath Patil, AIR 2001

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2.6 Plaint to be properly stamped
The plaint and documents therewith, when so lodged, shall be properly stamped with
uncancelled stamps ready for filling.

2.7 Endorsement on admission

When a plaint is admitted in words Admitted this day shall be endorsed thereon and signed
by the Prothonotary and Senior Master or by one of his assistants, the words written
statement being added when such statement is required. Official title only of Advocate
General to appear in suit by or against him.

2.8 Relators
When the Advocate General is a party to a suit in his official capacity, he shall be named and
described in the pleadings by his official title only. Before the name of any person shall be
used in any suit as relator, such person shall sign a written authority to the Advocate on
record for that purpose and such authority shall be filed in the office of the Prothonotary and
Senior Master.

Chapter 3
Time and Presentation of the Plaint

3.1 Presentation of the Plaint

Commencement of the Suit: Section 26 and Order 4 contain the provisions relating to the
institution of a suit. Rule 1 of Order 4 goes as:
i. Every suit shall be instituted by presenting a plaint in duplicate to the Court or such
officer as it appoints in this behalf.10
ii. Every plaint shall comply with the rules contained in Order VI and VII, so far as they
are applicable.
iii. The plaint shall not be deemed to be duly instituted unless it complies with the
requirements specified in sub-rules (1) and (2). Section 26 provides that every suit
shall be instituted by the presentation of a plaint or in such other manner as may be
prescribed.

10
The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, Order VII, Rule 1.

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Generally, the presentation of a plaint must be on a working day and during the office hours.
However, there is no rule that such presentation must be made either at a particular place or at
a particular time.11 A judge, therefore, may accept a plaint at his residence or at any other
place even after office hours, though h is not bound to accept it. J. Venkatramana Reddy vs
Kanakagari Bhakthavatsalaiah , 2002 .But if not too convenient, the judge must accept the
plaint, if it is the last day of limitation. Thereafter, the particulars of a suit will be entered by
the court in a book kept for the said purpose, called the Register of Civil Suits. After the
presentation, the plant will be scrutinized by the Stamp Reporter.12 If there are defects, the
plaintiff or his advocate will remove them. Thereafter the suit will be numbered. M/S Anita
International vs Tungabadra Sugar Works Maz.Sangh ... on 4 July, 2016.
3.2 Parties to suit13

There must be two parties in every suit, namely, the plaintiff and the defendant. There may,
however, be more than one plaintiff or more than one defendant. But there must at least one
plaintiff and one defendant in every suit. All particulars, such as name, fathers name, age,
place of residence, etc, which are necessary to identify the parties, must be stated in the
plaint. Smt. Kalawati Devi vs Chandra Prakash And Ors. on 2 September, 1957

3.3 Cause of action14

Every suit presupposes the existence of a cause of action against defendant because if there is
no cause of action the plant will have to be rejected. Even though the expression cause of
action has not been defined in the Code, it may be described as a bundle of essential facts,
which it is necessary for the plaintiff to prove before he can succeed or which gives the
plaintiff right to relief against the defendant Thus cause of action means every facts,
which it is necessary to establish to support a right or obtain a judgment. To put it differently,
cause of actions gives occasion for and forms the foundation of the suit. The classic definition
of the said expression is found in the case of Cooke v. Gill, wherein Lord Brett
observed: Cause of action means every fact which it would be necessary for the plaintiff to
prove, if traversed, in order to support his right to the judgment of the court.
Cause of action has nothing to do with the defense which may be set up by the defendant, nor
does it depend upon the character of the relief prayed for by the plaintiff. It refers entirely to

11
J. Venkatramana Reddy vs Kanakagari Bhakthavatsalaiah ... on 2 September, 2002
12
M/S Anita International vs Tungabadra Sugar Works Maz.Sangh ... on 4 July, 2016
13
The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, Order VII,
14
Ibid.

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the grounds set forth in the plaint as the cause of action. It is also necessary for the plaintiff to
state specifically when such cause of action arose. Central Government Employees vs
Consolidated Civil ... on 24 January, 2012.This will enable the defendant as well as the court
to ascertain from the plaint whether in fact and in law the cause of action as alleged by the
plaintiff in the plain did arise or not.
The Supreme Court stated, the object underlying Order VII, Rule 1, which require that the
plaint shall contain the particulars about the facts constituting the cause of action and when it
arose, is to enable the court to find out whether the plaint discloses the causes of action
because the plaint is liable to be rejected under Order VII, Rule 11, CPC if it does not
disclose the cause of action. T. Muralidhar vs Pvr Murthy on 7 November, 2014. The purpose
behind the requirement that the plaint should indicate when the cause of action arose is to
help the court in ascertaining whether the suit is not barred by limitation.15 Any error on the
part of the plaintiff in indicating the date on which the cause of action arose would be of little
consequence if the cause of action had arisen on the date on which the suit was filed and the
suit was within limitation from the said date. The error in mentioning the date on which the
cause of action had arisen in the plaint in such a case would not disentitle the plaintiff from
seeking relief from the court in the suit.16

3.4 Valuation

The plaintiff must state in the plaint the valuation of the subject- matter of the suit for the
purposes of pecuniary jurisdiction of the court and court fees, sometimes, the valuation of the
subject-matter for both the purposes may be the same, as, for example, in a suit for recovery
of money. But sometimes, to valuations may differ, as, for example, in a suit for declaration
or in a suit for injunction or for possession of immovable property. Perumal vs Boyot
Selvacarassou, Power Agent ... on 3 April, 2002. In such a case, the plaintiff should distinctly
state the valuation of the suit for the purpose jurisdiction of the court and for the purpose of
court fees.17

15
T. Muralidhar vs Pvr Murthy on 7 November, 2014.
16
C. K. Takwani, ibid., pp. 157-160.
17
Ibid.

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3.5 Limitation: Rule 6

Rule 6 provides that where the suit is barred by limitation, is necessary for the plaintiff to
show the ground of exemption in the plaint. But the proviso added by the amendment act of
1976 empowers the court to permit the plaintiff to rely on a new ground for exemption if it is
not inconsistent with the grounds mentioned in the plaint.18 Smt. Baldev Kaur vs ) Municipal
Corporation Of Delhi on 25 November, 2016

3.6 Jurisdiction of the court

The plaint must state all the facts showing how the court has pecuniary and territorial
jurisdiction over the subject-matter of the suit. Asif Ahmedally Porbunderwalla vs Mrs.
Daulat Akbarali ... on 22 August, 2013.When the jurisdiction of a court to entertain the suit is
disputed by the defendant, the court may frame the issue to that effect and decide the same
before deciding other issues. 19

3.7 Relief: Rules 7 - 8

Every plaint must state specifically the relief claimed by the plaintiff either simply or in the
alternative. Where the relief is founded on separate and distinct grounds, they should be so
stated. Where the plaintiff is entitled to more than one relief in respect of the same cause of
action. It is open to him to claim all or any of such reliefs. But if he omits, accepts with the
leave of the court, to sue for any particular relief, he will not afterwards be allowed to sue for
the relief so omitted. Smt.Sarverunnisa Begum vs Syed Rafeeq on 9 March, 2015
The court must have regard for all the relief and look at the substance of the matter and not at
its form. As, for example, prayer for costs need not be added in the plaint since as a general
rule costs follow the event, and the court bound to decide the point.20 Similarly, in a suit for
possession and manse profits, the court can grant future mesne profits even if they are not
specifically asked for. The plaintiff should state specifically the relief which he claims either
simply or in the alternative. Where a question arises as to whether the plaintiff has asked for a
particular relief in his plaint, the plaint must be read as a whole and the substance of the
matter and not the form thereof should be considered.

18
The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, Order VII, Rule 6.
19
C. K. Takwani, ibid., p. 159.
20
Smt.Sarverunnisa Begum vs Syed Rafeeq on 9 March, 2015

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The general rule no doubt is that the relief should be founded on pleadings made by the
parties. But where the substantial matters relating to the title of both parties to the suit are
touched, though indirectly or even obscurely, in the issues, and evidence has been led about
them, then the argument that a particular matter was not expressly taken in the pleadings
would be purely formal and technical and cannot succeed in every case. What the court has to
consider in dealing with such an objection is, did the parties know that the matter in question
was involved in the trial, and did they lead evidence about it? If it appears that the parties did
not know what the matter was in issue at the trial and one of them has had no opportunity to
lead evidence in respect of it that undoubtedly would be a different matter. The suit cannot be
dismissed merely on the ground that the plaintiff has claimed a larger relief than he is entitled
to. But the lesser relief to which the plaintiff is entitled will be granted in his favor. But the
court cannot grant a larger relief to the plaintiff than that claimed by him even if he is entitled
to it unless he gets his plaint amended with the leave of the court. 21

3.8 Events happening after institution of suit

The basic rule is that the rights of the parties should be determined on the basis of the date of
filing of the suit. Thus, where the plaintiff has no cause of action on the date of the filing of
the suit, he will not ordinarily be allowed to take advantage of the cause of action arising
subsequent to the filing of the suit. Similarly, no relief will be refused to the plaintiff by
reason of any subsequent even if at the date of the institution of the suit, he has a substantive
right. This, however, does not mean that no events happening after the institution of a suit can
be taken into account at all. In appropriate cases, it is not only the right but the duty of the
court to consider the changed circumstances. Where it is shown that the original relief
claimed by the plaintiff has, by reason of subsequent change in the circumstances, become
useless or inappropriate or where it is necessary to take notice of changed circumstances to
shorten litigation, a new relief may serve the purpose better or that a relief is required to be
reshaped or molded in the light of change in facts or in law to do full and complete justice
between the parties, the court is bound to depart from the above rule and mould the relief in
the light of alter circumstances. Hirendra Nath Bakshi vs Ram Jauhar And Ors. on 15 June,
1972.Administration of justice demands that any change either in fact or in law must be taken
cognizance of by the court but that must be done in a cautious manner of relevant facts.
Therefore, subsequent events can be taken cognizance of if they are relevant and material. It

21
Ibid., pp. 160-161.

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is basic to our processional jurisprudence that the right to relief must be judge to exist as on
the date a suitor institutes the legal proceeding. Equally clear is the principle that procedure is
the handmaid and not the mistress of the judicial process. If a fact, arising after the lies has
come to court and has a fundamental impact on the right to relief or the manner of molding it,
brought diligently to the notice of the tribunal, it cannot blink at it or be blind to events which
stultify or render inept the decrial remedy. Equity justifies bending the rules of procedure,
where no specific provision or fair play is violated, with a view to promote substantial
justice-subject, of course, to the absence of other disentitling factors or just circumstances.
Nor can we contemplate any limitation on this power to take note of updated facts to confine
it to the trial court. If the litigation ponds, the power exists, absence of other special
circumstances repelling resorts to that course in law or justice. Rulings on this point are
legion, even as situations for applications of this equitable rule are myriad.22 Service of a
copy of the plaint. Copy of plaint annexed to summons. - Every summons shall be
accompanied by a copy of the plaint. When Order VII, Rule 14 is read, in the light of what
Order v. embodies, it becomes abundantly clear that while annexing of a copy of the plaint
with the summons is a condition precedent for effective service of summons on a defendant,
furnishing of copy of a document, based on which a plaintiff institutes a suit, or a document,
on which a plaintiff relies in support of his claim, need not be furnished to the defendant.23
Does this, however, mean that a court is powerless, in a given case, to direct the plaintiff to
furnish copies of the documents, based on which the plaintiff has instituted the suit, or copies
of the documents, on which' the plaintiff relies to support his claim. Sreenivas Basudev vs
Vineet Kumar Kothari on 17 March, 2006.

Chapter 4

Return and Rejection of Plaint

4.1 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.24 This is done to ensure the jurisdiction of the court. On
returning a plaint the judge shall endorse thereon the date of its presentation and return, the

22
Ibid., pp. 161-162.
23
Sreenivas Basudev vs Vineet Kumar Kothari on 17 March, 2006.
24
A. A. M Moniruzzaman, Civil Procedure Code, 3rd ed., (Dhaka: Shams Publications, 2007), p. 307.

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name of the party presenting it, and a brief statement of the reason for returning it. Narendar
Singh And Ors. vs The Indian Institute Of ... on 28 November, 2013 Where at any state of the
suit, the court finds that it has no jurisdiction, either territorial or pecuniary or with regard to
the subject-matter of the suit, it will return the plaint to be presented to the proper court in
which the suit ought to have been filed. Lutfor Rahman Mollah (Md.) and another Vs. M
Safiul-Alam, 2015, 44 CLC (HCD)
Rule 10(a) prescribe the procedure to be followed by a court before the plaint is ordered to be
returned to be presented to the proper court. It is inserted to obviate the necessity of serving
the summons on the defendants where the return of plaint is made after the appearance of the
defendants in the suit. An appellate court can also return the plaint to be presented to the
proper court. The judge returning the plaint should make endorsements on it regarding
a. the date of presentation;
b. the date of return;
c. the name of the party presenting it;
d. Reasons for returning it.
When the plaint is filed the proper court, after getting it back from the wrong court, it cannot
be said to be continuation of the suit.25
As suit must be deemed to commence when a plaint is filed in the proper court. Vimal Co-
Op. Housing Society Ltd. vs Rajendrakumar Shankerbhai ... on 5 March, 2003
The order returning the plaint is appealable. The conversion of the suit from one file to
another does not involve a change in the nature and character of the suit so as to bar
amendment of the plaint. The court had ample jurisdiction to allow the amendment and then
to return the amended plaint to the plaintiff for presentation to the proper court. 26

4.2 Return of plaint in a matter relating to person in the service of the republic

Amendment replacing a cause of action, after it had ceased to exist, by a new cause of action
so as to change the nature of the suit and the cause of action will not be allowed, and if
allowed, cannot relate back to the date of filing the suit. Furthermore, the jurisdiction of the
civil court having been vested on the Administrative Tribunal by the promulgation of special
statute the jurisdiction of the civil court in respect of bank employees has been ousted, and in

25
. Vimal Co-Op. Housing Society Ltd. vs Rajendrakumar Shankerbhai ... on 5 March, 2003
26
Nazrul Islam and another v. Jahanara Hassan and other. 46 DLR (1994), 106.

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that view of the matter, the plaint was rightly returned by the civil court for presentation to
the proper Tribunal having jurisdiction.27
Modi Entertainment Network & Anr vs W.S.G.Cricket Pte. Ltd on 21 January, 2003

4.3 Suit under Admiralty jurisdiction when not maintainable

Since the plaintiff is neither the owner nor consignee nor assignee of any bill of lading of any
goods and since no damage was done to any goods of the plaintiff on board by the defendant,
the plaintiff insurer has no locus standi to invoke the jurisdiction of the Admiralty

Court under section 6 of the Admiralty Court Act. In The High Court f Judicature At ... vs

Unknown on 19 December, 2013, the plaint is returned to the plaintiff with liberty to file it in
appropriate court if not otherwise barred.28

4.4 Rejection of plaint: Rule 11

The plant will be rejected in the following cases:

(i)Where plaint does not disclose cause action:

If the plaint filed by the plaintiff does not disclose any clause of action, the court will reject it.
The power to reject a plaint on this ground should be exercised only if the court comes to the
conclusion that even if all the allegations set out in the plaint are proved, the plaintiff would
not be entitled to any relief. In that case, the court will reject the plaint without issuing
summons to the defendants. M/S. Pawan Proproties vs Prohlad Rai Dhanania @ Agarwal on
23 February, 2015. The reading of the plaint should be meaningful and not formal. But where
the plaint does not disclose cause of action, clever drafting, ritual of repeating words or
creation of an illusion cannot insert a cause of action in plaint.29 Khan Mohammad Ameer Vs.
Atiqur Rahman and others, 2014, 43 CLC (HCD)
It is rightly conceded that the High Court could not have acted under Order 7, Rule 11 (a) of
the Code. Where the plaint discloses no cause of action, it is obligatory upon the court to
reject the plaint as a whole under Order VII, Rule 11 (a) of the Code, but the rule does not
justify the rejection of any particular portion of a plaint.30

27
Mansur Ali v. Janata Bank. 43 DLR (1991), 394.
28
Sadharan Bima Corporation v. Bangladesh Shipping Corporation. 43 DLR (1991), 548.
29
A. A. M Moniruzzaman, pp. 309-310.
30
Mulla's Civil Procedure Code, 13th Edn., Vol. 1, p. 755.

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(ii) Where relief claimed is undervalued:
Where the relief claimed by the plaintiff is undervalued and the valuation is not corrected
within the time fixed or extended by the court, the plant will rejected. In considering the
question whether the suit is properly valued or not, the court must confine its attention to the
plaint only and should not look at the other circumstances which may subsequently influence
the judgment of the court as to the true value of the relief prayed for. 31 Church Of Christ
Charitable Trust ... vs M/S. Ponniamman Educationa Trust ... on 3 July, 2012

(iii) Where plaint is insufficiently stamped:

Sometimes the relief claimed by the plaintiff is properly valued, but the plaint is written upon
a paper insufficiently stamped and the plaintiff fails to pay the requisite court-fees within the
time fixed or extended by the court.32 In the case, the plaint will be rejected. Abul (Md.)
Kashem & others Vs. Ashrafuzzaman, 1990, 19 CLC (HCD)

(iv) Where suit is barred by law:

Where the suit appears from the statements in the plaint to be barred by any law, the court
will reject the plaint. For instance, where in a suit against the government, the plaint does not
state that a notice as required by section 80 of the Code has been given; the plaint will be
rejected under this clause. But where waiver of such notice is pleaded, the court cannot reject
the plaint without giving the plaintiff an opportunity to establish that fact. Sharmila Shetty &
Anr vs Hemendra Barooah Benevolent And ... on 9 September, 2014.The plaint has to be field
in duplicate. If the said requirement is not complied with the plaint will be rejected. 33 Where
the plaintiff fails to comply with the provisions of rule 9, plaint will be rejected. Sadharan
Bima Corporation, Sadharan Bima Bhaban, 33, Dilkusha Commercial Area, Dhaka and
another Vs. Messrs Ahad Jute Mills Ltd. and others, 2016, 45 CLC (HCD)

(v) Other grounds including appeal:

The grounds for rejection of plaint specified in rule 11 of order 7 are not exhaustive. On other
relevant grounds also a plaint can be rejected. Thus, if the plaint is signed by a person not
31
Ibid.
32
Abul (Md.) Kashem & others Vs. Ashrafuzzaman, 1990, 19 CLC (HCD)
33
Sadharan Bima Corporation, Sadharan Bima Bhaban, 33, Dilkusha Commercial Area, Dhaka and another Vs.
Messrs Ahad Jute Mills Ltd. and others, 2016, 45 CLC (HCD)

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authorised by the plaintiff and the defect is not cured within the time granted by the court, the
plaint can be rejected. V.K.John vs W.S.Seetharam on 18 December, 2008. Where a plaint is
rejected by a court, the judge will pass an order to that effect and will record reasons for such
rejection. If the plaint is rejected on any of the above grounds, the plaintiff is not thereby
precluded from presenting a fresh plaint in respect of the same cause of action. An order
rejecting a plaint is a deemed decree within the meaning of section 2(2) of the code, and,
therefore, appealable. In Abul Hasnat v Ershad Ali Begum (42 DLR, 244) it was
held that while rejecfing a plaint the court has to consider not the written statement of the
defendant but only the plaint of the plaintiff.It was further held in Chairman, BISE v
Motijheel Model High School (46 DLR, 485) that the power of rejection of a plaint shall be
exercised only if the court comes to the conclusion on mere reading of the plaint that even
if all the allegations are proved the plaintiff would not be entitled to any relief whatsoever.

4.5 Remedies against rejection of Plaint

There are two types of remedies against the order of rejection of a plaint:
i. Rule 13 , Order VII. Specifies that the rejection of the plaint on any of the grounds
shall not preclude the plaintiff from presenting a fresh plaint in respect of the same
cause of action. Thus the plaintiff has right to file a fresh suit on the same cause of
action. Major General Abdus Salam (Retd) Vs. Bangladesh Election Commission and
another, 2015, 44 CLC (AD)

ii. Order rejecting a plaint is a decree within the meaning of section 2 and hence an

appeal lies against such order under section 96 of the CPC. Smt. Amarjit Kaur & Ors.
vs Smt. Satnam Kaur & Ors. on 19 December, 2008
iii. In Radha Rani Sadhu v Durga Rani Adhikari 47 DLP. (HCD) 360 the High Court
Division held that an order rejecting a plaint is a decree and as such appeal lies
against such order. However, in case of rejection of plain.

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 Chapter 5
Formation of Plaint
34
5.1 Draft a Plaint
It is a settled law that if a person wants justice must come with clean hands. A person whose
case is based on falsehood has no right to approach the Court. This basic principle of law
must be in mind while drafting or preparing a plaint. It is well settled position of law that the
whole object of pleading is to give fair notice to each party of what the opponent's case is,
and to ascertain, with precision, the points on which the parties agree and those on which they
differ, and thus to bring the parties to a definite issue. The purpose of pleading is also to
eradicate irrelevancy. In order to have a fair trial it is imperative that the party should state
the essential facts so that other party may not be taken by surprise. The parties thus
themselves know what are matters left in dispute and what facts they have to prove at the
proceeding and are thus given an opportunity to bring forward such evidence as may be
appropriate. The main object of pleadings is to find out and narrow down the controversy
between the parties. Contention which are not based on the pleadings cannot be permitted to
be raised either at the time of arguments or at the appellate stage."The New India Assurance
Co. Ltd. vs. Surender singh & others. (HC) UAD 2007, 423.
For our convenience we can divide the plaint in three parts:

(1) The Heading and Title

(2) The Body
(3) The Relief

(1) The Heading

(2) The plaint should begin with the name of the court in which the suit is brought, Rule 1
(a), Order VII

34
Appendix A of the Code of Civil Procedure 1908

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For example,
In the court of district judge at Shriatapur.

Suit Noof 2016, or

Original Suit No..of 2016.
Note:-place for number should be left blank, which will be filled by the court officials.

5.2 The Title

After the heading, title should be written as per Rule 1 (b), Order VII. It contains the name ,
description and place of residence of the plaintiff.
Note:- Plaintiff may be one or more and addresses may be different, true details of each of
the plaintiff should be given. The word Description includes the name of father and other
particulars of the plaintiff. The main purpose is to identify the plaintiff. The plaintiff may be
minor or a person of unsound mind. A detailed statement regarding this must be given in the
plaint (Rule 1 (d) Order VII), because a minor or insane person cannot sue or be sued. He can
only sue or be sued through next friend (who may act as a next friend or be appointed
guardian for the suit see Order XXXII Rule 1 and 4 CPC).Where there are several plaintiffs, a
serial number should be given to each of them.
After the name of the plaintiff, name of the defendant or defendants should be written as per
Rule 1(c), Order VII. And fathers name and place of residence of each of the defendant
should be given , if there are several defendants, a serial number should be given to each of
them.
Note:- Defendants against whom no relief is claimed may be added as Performa defendants
and written in the last and a statement in this regard must be given in the plaint that why these
persons or person added as Performa defendants. In case of minor defendant or a person of
unsound mind, A detailed statement regarding this must be given in the plaint (Rule 1(d),
Order VII.), because a minor or a person of unsound mind cannot be sue or sued. He can only
sue or be sued through guardian ad litem; the Court shall appoint a proper person to be
guardian for the suit for such minor under the procedure prescribed in Order 32, Rule 3.
Form of the title is given below
The forms are given in Appendix A of the Code of Civil Procedure. Order VI,Rule 3
provides, the forms in appendix A when applicable, and where they are not applicable forms
of the like character, nearly as may be, shall be used for all pleadings. These forms shows that

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a statement as to when the cause of action arose and the court has jurisdiction may be written
jointly in one paragraph.
Draft a Plaint General:-
1.A B, son of r/o..
2
Plaintiffs".
Versus

1.C D, son of..r/o

2
Defendants".

In case of minor and unsound mind person,

1.A B, son ofr/o, a minor, by C D, son

of.r/o.his next friend

Plaintiffs.
Versus.

1. E F, son ofr/o, a minor, through his guardian

GH, son ofr/o..................., appointed by the order of the court
(name of the court etc )
Defendant.
Or
In case of a Joint Hindu Family:

1.A B, son of .., r/o., as manager (Karta) of a Joint Hindu

Family.
Or
In case of representative suit:
1.A B, son of.., r/o.., suing on
behalf of himself and of all the Sikh resident of the village...(name of the village).
Or
In case of Trust
1. A B, son of, r/o ., managing trustee Kalumal
dharmshala etc

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5.3 The Body of Plaint
This is the most important part of the plaint. It can be divided into short paragraph. All the
facts related to the claim of the plaintiff must be written here in details. Order VII, Rule 1 (e)
requires that the plaint shall contain the facts constituting the cause of action and when it
arose. Basically it contains two part, under the first part of this clause are all the facts, on the
basis of which plaintiff claims his case, in other words each and every fact which is necessary
for the plaintiff to prove to enable him to get a decree should be set out in clear terms and in
the second part of the clause is when cause of action arose.? It is related to the date of cause
of action. The meaning and definition of the cause of action is given in side bar of the page
under the heading notes.

5.4 Date of Cause of Action

The exact date of the cause of action as far as possible should be given in the plaint. Where,
however, the exact date is not known, plaintiff can mention the near about date when cause of
action accrued. The main object to mention the date of cause of action is to ascertain whether
the suit is within limitation or not.

Jurisdiction: Section 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 of the civil procedure code lay down the rules
for the purpose of jurisdiction. Section 15 provides "every suit shall be instituted in the court
of the lowest grade competent to try it". Section 16 provides the provision regarding
institution of suit of immovable property and for the recovery of movable property actually
under distrait or attachment, it says all the suits relating to immoveable property or for
recovery of movable property under distrait or attachment shall be instituted in the court
within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the property is situate, subject to the pecuniary or
other limitations prescribed by any law.
Provided that a suit to obtain relief respecting , or compensation for wrong to, immovable
property held by or on behalf of the defendant, may where the relief sought can be entirely
obtained through his personal obedience be instituted either in the Court within the local
limits of whose jurisdiction the property is situate, or in the Court within the local limits of
whose jurisdiction the defendant actually and voluntarily resides, or carries on business, or
personally works for gain.

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Explanation.- In this section property means property situate in Bangladesh.
Where the immoveable property is situate within jurisdiction of different courts, the suit may
be instituted in any court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction any portion of the
property is situate. (See section 17 of the code.)
In case, where local limits of jurisdiction of Courts are uncertain, sub section (1) of Section
18 of the code provides, "where it is alleged to be uncertain within the local limits of the
jurisdiction of which of two or more Courts any immovable property is situate, any one of
those courts may, if satisfied that there is ground for the alleged uncertainty, record a
statement to that effect and thereupon proceed to entertain and dispose of any suit relating to
that property, and its decree in the suit shall have the same effect as if the property were
situate within the local limits of its jurisdiction :Provided that the suit is one with respect to
which the court is competent as regards the nature and value of the suit to exercise
jurisdiction. Suits for compensation for wrongs to person or movable Section 19 of the Code
provides Where a suit is for compensation for wrong done to the person or to movable
property, if the wrong was done within the local limits of the jurisdiction of one Court and the
defendant resides, or carries on business, or personally works for gain, within the local limits
of the jurisdiction of another Court, the suit may be instituted at the option of the plaintiff in
either of the said Courts.

5.5 Valuation of Suit

The suit valuation Act,1887 deals with the mode of valuing certain suits for the purpose of
determining the jurisdiction of the Court. It is the duty of the plaintiff to write clearly and
separately in his plaint the valuation of his claim for the purpose of court fees and of
jurisdiction.

Court fee : Court fees are payable according to the provision of The court fees Act, 1870
Relief :
(a) ........................................................
(b) ........................................................
(c) ..........................................................
Note:- When there is no prayer for a particular relief and no pleadings to support such a
relief, and when defendant has no opportunity to resist or oppose such a relief, if the court
considers and grants such a relief, it would lead to miscarriage of justice. Thus it is said that

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no amount of evidence, on a plea that is not put forward in the pleadings, can be looked into
to grant any relief.

It is fundamental that in a civil suit, relief to be granted can be only with reference to the
prayers made in the pleadings. That apart, in civil suits grant of relief is circumscribed by
various factors like court fee, limitation, parties to the suits, as also grounds barring relief,
like res judicata, estoppels, acquiescence, non-joinder of cause of action or parties etc., which
require pleading and proof. Therefore, it would be hazardous to hold that in a civil suit
whatever be the relief that is prayed, the court can on examination of facts grant any relief as
it thinks fit. In a suit for recovery of TK. One Lakh, the court cannot grant decree for TK.
Ten lakhs. In a suit for recovery possession of property A, Court cannot grant possession of
property B. In a suit praying for permanent injunction, court grant a relief of declaration or
possession. The jurisdiction to grant relief in a civil suit necessarily depends on the pleadings,
prayer, court fee paid, evidence let in, etc.

5.6 Pleading to be signed 35

Order VI Rule 14 C.P.C. provides every pleading shall be signed by the party and his pleader
(if any):
Provided that where a party pleading is, by reason of absence or for other good cause, unable
to sign the pleading, it may be signed by any person duly authorized by him to sign the same
or to sue and defend on his behalf.

5.7 Verification of Pleadings36

Order VI Rule 15 C.P.C. provides the mode of Verification of Pleadings
(1) Save as otherwise provided by any law for the time being in force, every pleading shall be
varied at the foot by the party or by one of the parties pleading or by some other person
proved to the satisfaction of the court to be acquainted with the facts of the case.

35
Order VI Rule 14 C.P.C
36
Order VI Rule 15 C.P.C

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(2)The person verifying shall specify, by reference to the numbered paragraphs of the
pleading, what he verifies of his own knowledge and what he verifies upon information
received and believed to be true.
(3) The verification shall be signed by the person making it and shall state the date on which
and the place at which it was signed.
(4) The person verifying the pleading shall also furnish an affidavit in support of his
pleadings.

5.8 Documents relied on in plaint37

Rules 14 to 17 deal with the production of documents by the plaintiff. Rule 14 enjoins the
plaintiff to produce at the time of the presentation of a plaint copies of all documents on
which he sues or seeks to rely. It also provides for the consequences of non-production of
documents. It lays down that a document which ought to be produce in the court by the
plaintiff when the plaint is presented or to be entered in the list to be added or annexed to the
plaint, and is not produce or entered accordingly, shall not, without the leave of the court, be
received in evidence on his behalf at the hearing of the suit.38 Sh. R. Vijayanandan Reddy vs
Sh.Pradeep K.Dhingra & Ors. on 9 September, 2010

This provision, however, does not apply to the following documents:

a. Documents reserved for the purpose of cross-examination of the plaintiffs witnesses;
or
b. Documents handed over to a witness merely to refresh his money.

5.9 Object and Effect on suit for Plaint:

Through plaint, plaintiff describes his cause of action and other necessary particulars to seek
remedy from court for redressed of his grievances for formation a civil suit. It must be
reiterated that the Court cannot desist the pleadings into several parts and consider whether
each one of them disclose the cause of action. It is well settled that there cannot be a partial
rejection of the plaint. It is only when the plaint read as a whole does not disclose any cause
of action. Can the same be rejected under Order VII Rule 11 (a) Rejection of only a particular
portion of the plaint is not permissible? It must also be remembered that the pleadings must

37
Rules 14 to 17 of Order VII
38
Sh. R. Vijayanandan Reddy vs Sh.Pradeep K.Dhingra & Ors. on 9 September, 2010

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only contain a statement in a concise forms of material facts on which the party realise for his
claim or his defense as the case may be but in the evidence by which they are to be proved.
(See Order VI, Rule 2(1)]. It is also well settled that the plaint must be read as a whole to
ascertain that it discloses a cause of action. The plaint cannot be defective and those portions
which do not disclose cause of action cannot alone be rejected. Either the plaint survives in
its entirety or is rejected in its entirety. If a defendant states that no relief can be claimed
against him on the averments contained in the plaint itself, he cannot ask for rejection of the
plaint under Order VII, Rule 11 (a) as long as the plaint as a whole discloses a cause of action
although against other defendants. Such a defendant can only, propose in both the provisions
of Order I Rule 10 for seeking deletion of his name as a party to the suit. Keeping these
principles in mind, one has to examine the facts of the present case. Nahar Spinning Mills
Ltd. vs Vijay Hosiery Co. Ltd. And Ors. on 4 January, 2006, . It is admitted principle that no
plaintiff can go beyond his plaint.39 Therefore, no plaintiff can demand what is not claimed in
his plaint. Similarly no plaintiff can produce any evidence, which is beyond his plaint.

Chapter 6
Conclusion

6.1 Importance of a Plaint

Plaint plays important role throughout whole trial of any civil suit. It is admitted principle
that no plaintiff can go beyond his plaint. Therefore, no plaintiff can demand what is not
claimed in his plaint. Similarly no plaintiff can produce any evidence, which is beyond his
plain.

6.2 Conclusion
In framing a suit unwanted hazards should be avoided. Lengthy civil suit is a lengthy process
in a mans life the same is a wastage of energy and time. Lengthy civil suit engulfs the
lifetime of a party. Competency of a court in disposing a civil suit is of mare importance than
anything else. Legal profession is a solemn and serious occupation. It is a noble calling and
all those who belong to it are its honorable members. Although the entry to the profession can
be professional has to be maintained by its members. Every Civil suit must be duly stamped,
and must be signed with due verification. Success of a party lies, in filing civil suit with due

39
. Nahar Spinning Mills Ltd. vs Vijay Hosiery Co. Ltd. And Ors. on 4 January, 2006

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care. Improper plaint gives birth to, improper results and the same affects the life and
property of a party, care should be taken over filing a civil suit, in matters of court fees,
jurisdiction and specification of the suit land.Lawyers must be careful in discharging their
duties and in discharging the duties bestowed upon them. It should be taken case of that a
man should not be tried in his absence; by keeping him ignorant over the fact and actual
matters. Hence in a civil suit the summons must contain a direction whether the date fixed is
for settlement of issues only or for final disposal of the suit. In the latter case, the defendant
should be directed to produce his witnesses. The court must give sufficient time to the
defendant to enable him to appear and answer the claim of the plaintiff on the day fixed. The
summons should also contain an order to the defendant to produce all documents or copies
thereof in his possession or power upon which he intends to rely on in support of his case. A
party in litigation must remember that good plaint gives birth to a good decree. As such to
achieve a good decree plaint must be duly filed. Otherwise the same may deprived the party
from enjoying the fruits of a civil suit.

Book reference:
1. C.K. Takwani: Civil Procedure with Limitation Act, 1963, Ed. 7th;

2. Mahmud Wazedd: Hand book on code of civil procedure;

3. Mahbudul Islam: Law of Civil Procedure, ed.2nd , Volume 2 (or 21r. 60 to end)

4. Md. Abdul Halim: Text Book on Civil Procedure

5. A. M Moniruzzaman, Civil Procedure Code, 3rd ed., (Dhaka: Shams Publications, 2007

6. Mulla's Civil Procedure Code, 13th Edn., Vol. 1, p. 755.

7. The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908

8. Md. Abul Kalam Azad, The Code of Civil Procedure, 3rd ed., (Dhaka: Lipi Law Book House,

2008)

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