Reviewed case brief

Ram Chandra Singh v Savitri Devi and Ors.

(2003) 8 SCC 319

## Summary

counterclaimorder-8-rule-6across-suitindependent-adjudication
Court
Supreme Court of India
Year
2003
Subjects
Civil Procedure Code and Law of Limitation
Reviewed
2026-07-22

Rule established

A counterclaim, once properly set up by a defendant under Order VIII Rule 6A CPC, is treated as a cross-suit and must be adjudicated on its own merits, independent of the fate of the plaintiff's original claim; even if the plaintiff's suit is dismissed, withdrawn, or otherwise disposed of, the counterclaim survives and must be decided by the court.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        (2003) 8 SCC 319; leading authority on the independent, cross-suit character of a counterclaim, cross-verify citation before exam use

        Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.