For Res Judicata to be valid and applicable in court proceedings, certain essential conditions must be met. Firstly, the matter in dispute must have been directly and substantially in issue in the former suit. Secondly, the former suit must have been decided by a competent court having proper jurisdiction. Thirdly, the matter must have been heard and finally decided on merits, not dismissed on technical grounds. Fourth, the parties in both suits must be the same, or claim under the same title or capacity. Lastly, the issue in the subsequent case must be identical to the one already adjudicated. These conditions collectively ensure fairness, avoid duplication of litigation, and give binding effect to previous judgments.
