Legal Explainer: The Doctrine of Res Judicata in Indian Law

 Legal Explainer: The Doctrine of Res Judicata in Indian Law

Res Judicata is a Latin term meaning "a matter already judged." It is a legal principle that prevents the same dispute between the same parties from being litigated more than once after it has been finally decided by a competent court.

Statutory Basis:

• Section 11 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC) codifies the doctrine of Res Judicata in India.

Key Elements of Res Judicata:

1. Same Matter in Issue – The issue in the current case must be identical to the issue already decided.
2. Same Parties – The parties involved in both cases must be the same or legally represented.
3. Competent Court – The earlier decision must have been made by a court with proper jurisdiction.
4. Final Judgment – The prior judgment must be final and binding, not subject to appeal.

Purpose of Res Judicata:

• Prevents multiplicity of litigation – Avoids wasting judicial time on settled matters.
• Ensures finality in judgments – Brings certainty and stability to legal decisions.
• Promotes judicial efficiency – Reduces the burden on courts by discouraging repetitive lawsuits.

Landmark Judgment:

• Daryao v. State of U.P. (1961) – The Supreme Court held that Res Judicata applies even to writ petitions under Article 32 and 226 of the Constitution, reinforcing its significance in constitutional matters.

Exceptions to Res Judicata:

• Cases involving fraud or collusion in the earlier judgment.
• Issues decided without proper jurisdiction.
• Matters affecting fundamental rights in some exceptional cases.

Res Judicata ensures that legal disputes are conclusively resolved, promoting judicial integrity and the effective administration of justice.