Rule 4 of CPC : Rule 4: One of several plaintiffs or defendants may obtain reversal of whole decree where it proceeds on ground common to all.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Scenario: A group of five landowners (plaintiffs) files a lawsuit against a construction company (defendant) for illegal encroachment on their properties. The trial court issues a decree dismissing the suit on the grounds that the landowners failed to prove their ownership.

Application of Rule 4: One of the landowners, Mr. Sharma, decides to appeal the decree. Since the decree was based on a ground common to all the plaintiffs (failure to prove ownership), Mr. Sharma's appeal can potentially benefit all five landowners. If the appellate court finds in favor of Mr. Sharma and reverses the decree, the decision will apply to all the landowners, not just Mr. Sharma.

Example 2:

Scenario: Three business partners (plaintiffs) sue a supplier (defendant) for breach of contract, claiming that the supplier delivered defective goods. The trial court rules against the business partners, stating that the contract terms were not clear enough to hold the supplier liable.

Application of Rule 4: One of the business partners, Ms. Gupta, decides to appeal the trial court's decision. Since the decree was based on a ground common to all the plaintiffs (unclear contract terms), Ms. Gupta's appeal can lead to a reversal or variation of the decree for the benefit of all three business partners. If the appellate court agrees with Ms. Gupta and reverses the decree, the decision will apply to all the business partners, not just Ms. Gupta.