While the principle of Res Judicata is vital for finality of judgments, certain exceptions allow courts to set it aside in the interest of justice. These include cases where the earlier judgment was obtained through fraud, misrepresentation, or collusion, where the court lacked proper jurisdiction, where a change in law or constitutional interpretation creates new legal grounds, or where a new cause of action arises from fresh facts. It also does not apply to issues that were not directly and substantially in question in the earlier case, and in some public interest matters, courts may relax its application to protect ongoing rights. Lawyers should highlight such exceptions when relevant, and judges must apply them cautiously to balance fairness with judicial efficiency.
