What is a Plaint?
A plaint is the legal document filed by the plaintiff (person bringing the lawsuit) that contains allegations, cause of action, and relief claimed. It initiates a civil suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
Educational Purpose: This information is for general awareness only. Consult a qualified legal professional for specific advice.
Essential Contents of Plaint (Order VII, CPC)
- Name of Court: Court where suit is filed
- Plaintiff Details: Name, father's name, age, address
- Defendant Details: Name, father's name, address
- Description of Property (if any): Clear identification
- Facts constituting cause of action: Event giving right to sue
- Date of cause of action: When right to sue accrued
- Jurisdiction: Why this court has jurisdiction
- Relief claimed: What plaintiff wants from court
- Valuation of Suit: For court fees and jurisdiction
- Verification: Plaintiff declares facts are true
- List of Documents: Annexures and exhibits
Requirements for Rejection of Plaint (Order VII Rule 11)
Plaint can be rejected without issuing summons if:
- No cause of action disclosed
- Relief undervalued or undervalued and not corrected
- Insufficient stamp paper/fees
- Barred by law (limitation, res judicata)
- Not filed in duplicate
- Non-compliance with Order VII Rule 1-8
Important: Rejection of plaint is different from dismissal of suit. Rejected plaint cannot be refiled; dismissed suit can be refiled (if not on merits).
Sample Plaint Format
IN THE COURT OF [NAME] JUDGE, [CITY/DISTRICT]
CIVIL SUIT NO. _____ / 2025
[IN THE MATTER OF:]
__________________________________________________________
PLAINTIFF: [Full Name], son/daughter/wife of [Name],
Aged: [Years], Resident of: [Complete Address]
__________________________________________________________
DEFENDANT: [Full Name], son/daughter/wife of [Name],
Resident of: [Complete Address]
__________________________________________________________
SUIT FOR RECOVERY OF MONEY (OR OTHER RELIEF)
MOST RESPECTFULLY SHOWETH:
1. That the plaintiff is [describe status/relationship to defendant]
2. That the defendant is [describe status]
3. That [state facts of case in chronological order with dates]
4. That cause of action arose on [date] when [describe event]
5. That cause of action is continuing and within court's jurisdiction
6. That the suit is within limitation period
7. That plaintiff has not filed any previous suit on same matter
8. That court fees of ₹[amount] is paid vide [challan details]
9. That valuation of suit for jurisdiction is ₹[amount]
10. That plaintiff claims the following relief(s):
(a) Pass decree for ₹[amount] with interest at [rate]% p.a.
(b) Award costs of the suit
(c) Any other relief deemed fit
PLAINTIFF
VERIFICATION:
I, [Name], plaintiff above named, do hereby verify that the contents of this plaint are true and correct to my knowledge. Verified at [Place] on this [Date].
PLAINTIFF
LIST OF DOCUMENTS:
1. Copy of [document name]
2. Copy of [document name]
Court Fees on Plaint
Court fees vary by state under respective Court Fees Acts. Generally:
- Money suits: Percentage of amount claimed
- Property suits: Based on valuation
- Declaration suits: Fixed fee
- Poor persons (pauper suits): No fee (subject to court approval)
Drafting Tips
- Write in clear, concise paragraphs (numbered)
- Stick to relevant facts (avoid unnecessary details)
- State cause of action clearly with specific date
- Ensure proper valuation for jurisdiction
- Sign at the end of plaint and on each page
- Verify by plaintiff or authorized person
- File with sufficient copies (one for court + one per defendant)