Satyadhyan Ghosal v Deorajin Debi (1960)

CPC & Limitation Act · Transfer of Cases (ss.22–25)

Facts.

A question decided at an earlier stage of the same litigation was sought to be reopened at a later stage.

Issue.

Can a matter already judicially determined between the parties be reopened, and what is the principle underlying res judicata?

Held.

The principle of res judicata rests on the need for finality in litigation — once a court of competent jurisdiction decides a matter, the parties are bound and cannot reopen it.

Why it matters.

The classic statement of why res judicata exists: litigation must end, and a decided matter is treated as the truth between the parties.

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