Rule 14 of CPC : Rule 14: Production of document on which plaintiff sues or relies.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Scenario: Ramesh files a lawsuit against Suresh for breach of contract.

Details:

• Ramesh claims that Suresh did not fulfill the terms of a written contract they both signed.
• Ramesh has the original contract document in his possession.

Application of Rule 14:

1. Ramesh must list the contract document in a list of documents he relies on.
2. When Ramesh files the plaint (formal written statement of his claim) in court, he must produce the original contract document and a copy of it.
3. If Ramesh fails to produce the contract document or list it, the court may not allow him to use it as evidence during the hearing unless he gets special permission from the court.

Example 2:

Scenario: Priya sues her landlord for not returning her security deposit.

Details:

• Priya claims that she has a receipt showing the payment of the security deposit, but she has lost the original receipt.
• Priya knows that the landlord has a copy of the receipt.

Application of Rule 14:

1. Priya must state in her plaint that the receipt is not in her possession and that the landlord has it.
2. If Priya does not mention this in her plaint, she may not be able to use the receipt as evidence unless she gets special permission from the court.
3. Priya can still use other documents or evidence to support her claim, such as bank statements showing the payment.

Example 3:

Scenario: Anil files a lawsuit against a company for non-payment of services rendered.

Details:

• Anil has several invoices and email correspondences that support his claim.
• Some of these documents are in his possession, while others are with his accountant.

Application of Rule 14:

1. Anil must list all the invoices and email correspondences in a document list.
2. When filing the plaint, Anil must produce the documents he has and provide copies to the court.
3. For the documents with his accountant, Anil must state in the plaint that these documents are in the possession of his accountant.
4. If Anil fails to list or produce these documents, he may not be able to use them as evidence unless he gets special permission from the court.

Example 4:

Scenario: Meera sues a builder for not completing the construction of her house on time.

Details:

• Meera has a construction agreement and several progress reports.
• She also has photographs showing the incomplete construction.

Application of Rule 14:

1. Meera must list the construction agreement, progress reports, and photographs in a document list.
2. When filing the plaint, Meera must produce these documents and provide copies to the court.
3. If Meera fails to produce or list these documents, she may not be able to use them as evidence unless she gets special permission from the court.
4. Meera can still use these documents during cross-examination or to refresh a witness's memory without listing them initially.