Right to begin
Full Text
The plaintiff has the right to begin unless the defendant admits the facts alleged by the plaintiff and contends that either in point of law or on some additional facts alleged by the defendant the plaintiff is not entitled to any part of the relief which he seeks, in which case the defendant has the right to begin.
Plain English Summary
Establishes that the plaintiff has the initial right to open the case and lead evidence, shifting to the defendant only where the defendant admits the plaint facts and raises purely legal objections or affirmative avoidance defences.
Key Legal Elements
- Default Right with Plaintiff: Governed by the maxim that the party asserting the affirmative must prove it.
- Exception for Total Admission & Avoidance: Applies where execution of promissory note/contract is admitted but plea of fraud, discharge, or limitation is raised.
- Procedural Significance: Dictates the sequencing of examination and the final right of reply.
Practical Note
Strategic Use of Right to Begin: 1. Reversing the Burden: In a suit for recovery on a dishonoured cheque or promissory note where the defendant admits the signature but pleads lack of consideration or coercion, plaintiff's counsel can move an application under Order XVIII Rule 1 CPC requesting the court to direct the defendant to lead evidence first. 2. Tactical Advantage: Compelling the defendant to step into the witness box first forces them to disclose their hand before the plaintiff's witnesses depose.
हिंदी पाठ
वादी को वाद का प्रारंभ करने का अधिकार (Right to begin) होगा, जब तक कि प्रतिवादी वादी द्वारा अभिकथित तथ्यों को स्वीकार न कर ले और यह तर्क न दे कि या तो विधि के आधार पर अथवा प्रतिवादी द्वारा अभिकथित कुछ अतिरिक्त तथ्यों के आधार पर वादी उस अनुतोष के किसी भी भाग का हकदार नहीं है जिसकी उसने याचना की है, जिस दशा में प्रतिवादी को वाद प्रारंभ करने का अधिकार होगा।