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Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:
In a notable judgment explaining the principles of res judiciata, the Supreme Court has held that an order closing the proceedings in a case cannot be construed as a final decision on merits so as to bar a subsequent suit. Res Judicata is one of the most important rules in Law where Res means “subject matter” and judicata means “adjudged” or decided and together it means “a matter adjudged”. This doctrine in substance means that an issue or a point decided and having attained finality should not be allowed to be re-opened and re-agitated twice over. Two Maxims and Rules of Res Judicata are ‘interest republicae ut sit finis litium’ (It is interest of the State that there should be an end to litigation). This is the principle in finality of litigation and is based on high principles of public policy. ‘nemo devet vis vexari pro una et eadem cause” (No man should be taxed twice over for the same cause). No one ought to be vexed twice in the same litigation if it appears to the Court that is for one and the same cause. It operates against both the parties to the suit, and not against one alone. The doctrine applies to all judicial proceedings and it equally applies to quasi-judicial proceedings in tribunals. In order to decide the question whether a subsequent proceeding is barred by res judicata it necessary to examine the question with reference to: (i) Forum or competence of Court. (ii) Parties and their representatives. (iii) Matters in issue in the former suit. (iv) Matters which ought to have been made a ground. (v) Final decision. The doctrine of res judicatais a mixed question of fact and law and the bar of res judicatais mandatory, and cannot be avoided by a party. Petitions are also covered in the ambit of Res Judicata.
Q. Is the former employee's objection to the maintainability of a lawsuit on the grounds of res judicata valid when a company filed a suit against the employee for breach of confidentiality and non-compete clauses, which was dismissed due to lack of evidence, and later filed a suit seeking damages for the same breach?
  • a)
    The former employee's objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the first suit was dismissed on a technical ground.
  • b)
    The former employee's objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit seeks a different relief.
  • c)
    The former employee's objection on the ground of res judicata is valid as the matter in issue and the parties are the same in both suits.
  • d)
    The former employee's objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit is based on a different cause of action.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questio...
Understanding Res Judicata
Res Judicata is a legal doctrine that prevents the same parties from litigating the same issue in multiple lawsuits. It ensures finality in judicial decisions and avoids unnecessary litigation.
Case Context
In this scenario, a company filed a lawsuit against a former employee for breach of confidentiality and non-compete clauses. The first suit was dismissed due to lack of evidence. Subsequently, the company filed a second suit seeking damages for the same breach.
Former Employee's Objection
The former employee argues that the second suit should be barred by res judicata. However, this objection is not valid for several reasons:
  • Same Matter in Issue: Both suits concern the same breach of confidentiality and non-compete clauses, indicating that the matter in issue remains unchanged.
  • Parties Involved: The parties involved in both suits are the same—the company and the former employee—thus satisfying one of the essential criteria of res judicata.
  • Final Decision: The first suit was dismissed, but not on the merits of the case. It was dismissed due to lack of evidence, which does not constitute a final decision on the substantive issues involved.
  • Nature of Relief: While the second suit seeks damages rather than specific performance or injunction, it still addresses the same breach, keeping the core issue consistent.

Conclusion
Therefore, the objection raised by the former employee is valid under res judicata, as the essential elements—same parties and matter in issue—are present despite the different relief sought. Thus, the correct answer is option 'C'.
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Community Answer
Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questio...
The accurate legal reasoning is that the former employee's objection based on the principle of res judicata is valid because the same matter in issue and the same parties are involved in both suits. The dismissal of the first suit due to a lack of evidence does not alter the application of res judicata, which prevents parties from re-litigating the same issue multiple times. Given that the matter in issue and the parties remain consistent in both suits, the second suit is prohibited by the doctrine of res judicata.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
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Question Description
Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:In a notable judgment explaining the principles of res judiciata, the Supreme Court has held that an order closing the proceedings in a case cannot be construed as a final decision on merits so as to bar a subsequent suit. Res Judicata is one of the most important rules in Law where Res means “subject matter” and judicata means “adjudged” or decided and together it means “a matter adjudged”. This doctrine in substance means that an issue or a point decided and having attained finality should not be allowed to be re-opened and re-agitated twice over. Two Maxims and Rules of Res Judicata are ‘interest republicae ut sit finis litium’ (It is interest of the State that there should be an end to litigation). This is the principle in finality of litigation and is based on high principles of public policy. ‘nemo devet vis vexari pro una et eadem cause” (No man should be taxed twice over for the same cause). No one ought to be vexed twice in the same litigation if it appears to the Court that is for one and the same cause. It operates against both the parties to the suit, and not against one alone. The doctrine applies to all judicial proceedings and it equally applies to quasi-judicial proceedings in tribunals. In order to decide the question whether a subsequent proceeding is barred by res judicata it necessary to examine the question with reference to: (i) Forum or competence of Court. (ii) Parties and their representatives. (iii) Matters in issue in the former suit. (iv) Matters which ought to have been made a ground. (v) Final decision. The doctrine of res judicatais a mixed question of fact and law and the bar of res judicatais mandatory, and cannot be avoided by a party. Petitions are also covered in the ambit of Res Judicata.Q.Is the former employees objection to the maintainability of a lawsuit on the grounds of res judicata valid when a company filed a suit against the employee for breach of confidentiality and non-compete clauses, which was dismissed due to lack of evidence, and later filed a suit seeking damages for the same breach?a)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the first suit was dismissed on a technical ground.b)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit seeks a different relief.c)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is valid as the matter in issue and the parties are the same in both suits.d)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit is based on a different cause of action.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for CLAT 2025 is part of CLAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the CLAT exam syllabus. Information about Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:In a notable judgment explaining the principles of res judiciata, the Supreme Court has held that an order closing the proceedings in a case cannot be construed as a final decision on merits so as to bar a subsequent suit. Res Judicata is one of the most important rules in Law where Res means “subject matter” and judicata means “adjudged” or decided and together it means “a matter adjudged”. This doctrine in substance means that an issue or a point decided and having attained finality should not be allowed to be re-opened and re-agitated twice over. Two Maxims and Rules of Res Judicata are ‘interest republicae ut sit finis litium’ (It is interest of the State that there should be an end to litigation). This is the principle in finality of litigation and is based on high principles of public policy. ‘nemo devet vis vexari pro una et eadem cause” (No man should be taxed twice over for the same cause). No one ought to be vexed twice in the same litigation if it appears to the Court that is for one and the same cause. It operates against both the parties to the suit, and not against one alone. The doctrine applies to all judicial proceedings and it equally applies to quasi-judicial proceedings in tribunals. In order to decide the question whether a subsequent proceeding is barred by res judicata it necessary to examine the question with reference to: (i) Forum or competence of Court. (ii) Parties and their representatives. (iii) Matters in issue in the former suit. (iv) Matters which ought to have been made a ground. (v) Final decision. The doctrine of res judicatais a mixed question of fact and law and the bar of res judicatais mandatory, and cannot be avoided by a party. Petitions are also covered in the ambit of Res Judicata.Q.Is the former employees objection to the maintainability of a lawsuit on the grounds of res judicata valid when a company filed a suit against the employee for breach of confidentiality and non-compete clauses, which was dismissed due to lack of evidence, and later filed a suit seeking damages for the same breach?a)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the first suit was dismissed on a technical ground.b)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit seeks a different relief.c)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is valid as the matter in issue and the parties are the same in both suits.d)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit is based on a different cause of action.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for CLAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:In a notable judgment explaining the principles of res judiciata, the Supreme Court has held that an order closing the proceedings in a case cannot be construed as a final decision on merits so as to bar a subsequent suit. Res Judicata is one of the most important rules in Law where Res means “subject matter” and judicata means “adjudged” or decided and together it means “a matter adjudged”. This doctrine in substance means that an issue or a point decided and having attained finality should not be allowed to be re-opened and re-agitated twice over. Two Maxims and Rules of Res Judicata are ‘interest republicae ut sit finis litium’ (It is interest of the State that there should be an end to litigation). This is the principle in finality of litigation and is based on high principles of public policy. ‘nemo devet vis vexari pro una et eadem cause” (No man should be taxed twice over for the same cause). No one ought to be vexed twice in the same litigation if it appears to the Court that is for one and the same cause. It operates against both the parties to the suit, and not against one alone. The doctrine applies to all judicial proceedings and it equally applies to quasi-judicial proceedings in tribunals. In order to decide the question whether a subsequent proceeding is barred by res judicata it necessary to examine the question with reference to: (i) Forum or competence of Court. (ii) Parties and their representatives. (iii) Matters in issue in the former suit. (iv) Matters which ought to have been made a ground. (v) Final decision. The doctrine of res judicatais a mixed question of fact and law and the bar of res judicatais mandatory, and cannot be avoided by a party. Petitions are also covered in the ambit of Res Judicata.Q.Is the former employees objection to the maintainability of a lawsuit on the grounds of res judicata valid when a company filed a suit against the employee for breach of confidentiality and non-compete clauses, which was dismissed due to lack of evidence, and later filed a suit seeking damages for the same breach?a)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the first suit was dismissed on a technical ground.b)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit seeks a different relief.c)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is valid as the matter in issue and the parties are the same in both suits.d)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit is based on a different cause of action.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:In a notable judgment explaining the principles of res judiciata, the Supreme Court has held that an order closing the proceedings in a case cannot be construed as a final decision on merits so as to bar a subsequent suit. Res Judicata is one of the most important rules in Law where Res means “subject matter” and judicata means “adjudged” or decided and together it means “a matter adjudged”. This doctrine in substance means that an issue or a point decided and having attained finality should not be allowed to be re-opened and re-agitated twice over. Two Maxims and Rules of Res Judicata are ‘interest republicae ut sit finis litium’ (It is interest of the State that there should be an end to litigation). This is the principle in finality of litigation and is based on high principles of public policy. ‘nemo devet vis vexari pro una et eadem cause” (No man should be taxed twice over for the same cause). No one ought to be vexed twice in the same litigation if it appears to the Court that is for one and the same cause. It operates against both the parties to the suit, and not against one alone. The doctrine applies to all judicial proceedings and it equally applies to quasi-judicial proceedings in tribunals. In order to decide the question whether a subsequent proceeding is barred by res judicata it necessary to examine the question with reference to: (i) Forum or competence of Court. (ii) Parties and their representatives. (iii) Matters in issue in the former suit. (iv) Matters which ought to have been made a ground. (v) Final decision. The doctrine of res judicatais a mixed question of fact and law and the bar of res judicatais mandatory, and cannot be avoided by a party. Petitions are also covered in the ambit of Res Judicata.Q.Is the former employees objection to the maintainability of a lawsuit on the grounds of res judicata valid when a company filed a suit against the employee for breach of confidentiality and non-compete clauses, which was dismissed due to lack of evidence, and later filed a suit seeking damages for the same breach?a)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the first suit was dismissed on a technical ground.b)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit seeks a different relief.c)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is valid as the matter in issue and the parties are the same in both suits.d)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit is based on a different cause of action.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for CLAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for CLAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:In a notable judgment explaining the principles of res judiciata, the Supreme Court has held that an order closing the proceedings in a case cannot be construed as a final decision on merits so as to bar a subsequent suit. Res Judicata is one of the most important rules in Law where Res means “subject matter” and judicata means “adjudged” or decided and together it means “a matter adjudged”. This doctrine in substance means that an issue or a point decided and having attained finality should not be allowed to be re-opened and re-agitated twice over. Two Maxims and Rules of Res Judicata are ‘interest republicae ut sit finis litium’ (It is interest of the State that there should be an end to litigation). This is the principle in finality of litigation and is based on high principles of public policy. ‘nemo devet vis vexari pro una et eadem cause” (No man should be taxed twice over for the same cause). No one ought to be vexed twice in the same litigation if it appears to the Court that is for one and the same cause. It operates against both the parties to the suit, and not against one alone. The doctrine applies to all judicial proceedings and it equally applies to quasi-judicial proceedings in tribunals. In order to decide the question whether a subsequent proceeding is barred by res judicata it necessary to examine the question with reference to: (i) Forum or competence of Court. (ii) Parties and their representatives. (iii) Matters in issue in the former suit. (iv) Matters which ought to have been made a ground. (v) Final decision. The doctrine of res judicatais a mixed question of fact and law and the bar of res judicatais mandatory, and cannot be avoided by a party. Petitions are also covered in the ambit of Res Judicata.Q.Is the former employees objection to the maintainability of a lawsuit on the grounds of res judicata valid when a company filed a suit against the employee for breach of confidentiality and non-compete clauses, which was dismissed due to lack of evidence, and later filed a suit seeking damages for the same breach?a)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the first suit was dismissed on a technical ground.b)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit seeks a different relief.c)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is valid as the matter in issue and the parties are the same in both suits.d)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit is based on a different cause of action.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:In a notable judgment explaining the principles of res judiciata, the Supreme Court has held that an order closing the proceedings in a case cannot be construed as a final decision on merits so as to bar a subsequent suit. Res Judicata is one of the most important rules in Law where Res means “subject matter” and judicata means “adjudged” or decided and together it means “a matter adjudged”. This doctrine in substance means that an issue or a point decided and having attained finality should not be allowed to be re-opened and re-agitated twice over. Two Maxims and Rules of Res Judicata are ‘interest republicae ut sit finis litium’ (It is interest of the State that there should be an end to litigation). This is the principle in finality of litigation and is based on high principles of public policy. ‘nemo devet vis vexari pro una et eadem cause” (No man should be taxed twice over for the same cause). No one ought to be vexed twice in the same litigation if it appears to the Court that is for one and the same cause. It operates against both the parties to the suit, and not against one alone. The doctrine applies to all judicial proceedings and it equally applies to quasi-judicial proceedings in tribunals. In order to decide the question whether a subsequent proceeding is barred by res judicata it necessary to examine the question with reference to: (i) Forum or competence of Court. (ii) Parties and their representatives. (iii) Matters in issue in the former suit. (iv) Matters which ought to have been made a ground. (v) Final decision. The doctrine of res judicatais a mixed question of fact and law and the bar of res judicatais mandatory, and cannot be avoided by a party. Petitions are also covered in the ambit of Res Judicata.Q.Is the former employees objection to the maintainability of a lawsuit on the grounds of res judicata valid when a company filed a suit against the employee for breach of confidentiality and non-compete clauses, which was dismissed due to lack of evidence, and later filed a suit seeking damages for the same breach?a)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the first suit was dismissed on a technical ground.b)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit seeks a different relief.c)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is valid as the matter in issue and the parties are the same in both suits.d)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit is based on a different cause of action.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:In a notable judgment explaining the principles of res judiciata, the Supreme Court has held that an order closing the proceedings in a case cannot be construed as a final decision on merits so as to bar a subsequent suit. Res Judicata is one of the most important rules in Law where Res means “subject matter” and judicata means “adjudged” or decided and together it means “a matter adjudged”. This doctrine in substance means that an issue or a point decided and having attained finality should not be allowed to be re-opened and re-agitated twice over. Two Maxims and Rules of Res Judicata are ‘interest republicae ut sit finis litium’ (It is interest of the State that there should be an end to litigation). This is the principle in finality of litigation and is based on high principles of public policy. ‘nemo devet vis vexari pro una et eadem cause” (No man should be taxed twice over for the same cause). No one ought to be vexed twice in the same litigation if it appears to the Court that is for one and the same cause. It operates against both the parties to the suit, and not against one alone. The doctrine applies to all judicial proceedings and it equally applies to quasi-judicial proceedings in tribunals. In order to decide the question whether a subsequent proceeding is barred by res judicata it necessary to examine the question with reference to: (i) Forum or competence of Court. (ii) Parties and their representatives. (iii) Matters in issue in the former suit. (iv) Matters which ought to have been made a ground. (v) Final decision. The doctrine of res judicatais a mixed question of fact and law and the bar of res judicatais mandatory, and cannot be avoided by a party. Petitions are also covered in the ambit of Res Judicata.Q.Is the former employees objection to the maintainability of a lawsuit on the grounds of res judicata valid when a company filed a suit against the employee for breach of confidentiality and non-compete clauses, which was dismissed due to lack of evidence, and later filed a suit seeking damages for the same breach?a)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the first suit was dismissed on a technical ground.b)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit seeks a different relief.c)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is valid as the matter in issue and the parties are the same in both suits.d)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit is based on a different cause of action.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:In a notable judgment explaining the principles of res judiciata, the Supreme Court has held that an order closing the proceedings in a case cannot be construed as a final decision on merits so as to bar a subsequent suit. Res Judicata is one of the most important rules in Law where Res means “subject matter” and judicata means “adjudged” or decided and together it means “a matter adjudged”. This doctrine in substance means that an issue or a point decided and having attained finality should not be allowed to be re-opened and re-agitated twice over. Two Maxims and Rules of Res Judicata are ‘interest republicae ut sit finis litium’ (It is interest of the State that there should be an end to litigation). This is the principle in finality of litigation and is based on high principles of public policy. ‘nemo devet vis vexari pro una et eadem cause” (No man should be taxed twice over for the same cause). No one ought to be vexed twice in the same litigation if it appears to the Court that is for one and the same cause. It operates against both the parties to the suit, and not against one alone. The doctrine applies to all judicial proceedings and it equally applies to quasi-judicial proceedings in tribunals. In order to decide the question whether a subsequent proceeding is barred by res judicata it necessary to examine the question with reference to: (i) Forum or competence of Court. (ii) Parties and their representatives. (iii) Matters in issue in the former suit. (iv) Matters which ought to have been made a ground. (v) Final decision. The doctrine of res judicatais a mixed question of fact and law and the bar of res judicatais mandatory, and cannot be avoided by a party. Petitions are also covered in the ambit of Res Judicata.Q.Is the former employees objection to the maintainability of a lawsuit on the grounds of res judicata valid when a company filed a suit against the employee for breach of confidentiality and non-compete clauses, which was dismissed due to lack of evidence, and later filed a suit seeking damages for the same breach?a)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the first suit was dismissed on a technical ground.b)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit seeks a different relief.c)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is valid as the matter in issue and the parties are the same in both suits.d)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit is based on a different cause of action.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:In a notable judgment explaining the principles of res judiciata, the Supreme Court has held that an order closing the proceedings in a case cannot be construed as a final decision on merits so as to bar a subsequent suit. Res Judicata is one of the most important rules in Law where Res means “subject matter” and judicata means “adjudged” or decided and together it means “a matter adjudged”. This doctrine in substance means that an issue or a point decided and having attained finality should not be allowed to be re-opened and re-agitated twice over. Two Maxims and Rules of Res Judicata are ‘interest republicae ut sit finis litium’ (It is interest of the State that there should be an end to litigation). This is the principle in finality of litigation and is based on high principles of public policy. ‘nemo devet vis vexari pro una et eadem cause” (No man should be taxed twice over for the same cause). No one ought to be vexed twice in the same litigation if it appears to the Court that is for one and the same cause. It operates against both the parties to the suit, and not against one alone. The doctrine applies to all judicial proceedings and it equally applies to quasi-judicial proceedings in tribunals. In order to decide the question whether a subsequent proceeding is barred by res judicata it necessary to examine the question with reference to: (i) Forum or competence of Court. (ii) Parties and their representatives. (iii) Matters in issue in the former suit. (iv) Matters which ought to have been made a ground. (v) Final decision. The doctrine of res judicatais a mixed question of fact and law and the bar of res judicatais mandatory, and cannot be avoided by a party. Petitions are also covered in the ambit of Res Judicata.Q.Is the former employees objection to the maintainability of a lawsuit on the grounds of res judicata valid when a company filed a suit against the employee for breach of confidentiality and non-compete clauses, which was dismissed due to lack of evidence, and later filed a suit seeking damages for the same breach?a)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the first suit was dismissed on a technical ground.b)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit seeks a different relief.c)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is valid as the matter in issue and the parties are the same in both suits.d)The former employees objection on the ground of res judicata is not valid as the second suit is based on a different cause of action.Correct answer is option 'C'. 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