When plaintiff in doubt from whom redress is to be sought
Full Text
Where the plaintiff is in doubt as to the persons from whom he is entitled to obtain redress, he may join two or more defendants in order that the question as to which of the defendants is liable, and to what extent, may be determined as between all parties.
Plain English Summary
Enables a plaintiff uncertain about the specific liable party or the apportionment of liability to join two or more potential tortfeasors or obligors in the alternative.
Key Legal Elements
- Bona Fide Doubt: Plaintiff must have a genuine, non-frivolous factual doubt as to the identity or extent of liability of the tortfeasors/obligors.
- Alternative Claim: Claims against joined defendants are mutually alternative or apportioned.
- Prevents Whipsawing: Protects plaintiff from failing in two successive individual suits where each defendant blames the absent third party.
Practical Note
Litigation Tactics & Drafting: 1. Classic Application: Essential in carrier/bailee disputes (e.g., goods damaged between railways and sea carrier), principal-agent disputes (where agent acted without authority or principal disowns authority), and medical negligence cases (hospital vs. attending surgeon). 2. Plaint Pleading: The plaint must specifically plead: 'The plaintiff is in bona fide doubt as to whether Defendant No. 1 or Defendant No. 2 is liable, or both are liable, and invokes Order I Rule 7 CPC to adjudicate their respective liability'. 3. Costs Protection: If one defendant is exonerated, the court may order the unsuccessful defendant to pay the costs of the successful defendant (Sanderson v. Blyth Theatre Co., 1903 - 'Sanderson Order').
हिंदी पाठ
जहां वादी को उन व्यक्तियों के बारे में संदेह है जिनसे वह प्रतितोष पाने का हकदार है, वहां वह दो या अधिक प्रतिवादियों को इसलिए संयोजित कर सकेगा कि सभी पक्षकारों के बीच इस प्रश्न का अवधारण किया जा सके कि प्रतिवादियों में से कौन दायी है और किस सीमा तक दायी है।