The doctrines of res judicata and splitting of claims (Order II Rule 2 of the CPC) share a common objective of ensuring finality in litigation and preventing multiple suits based on the same cause of action. While res judicata bars re‑litigation of a matter that has already been adjudicated between the same parties, Order II Rule 2 restricts a plaintiff from dividing one cause of action into separate suits for different reliefs. Both aim to safeguard judicial efficiency and protect defendants from being vexed twice for the same claim. Procedurally, filing multiple cases on the same cause of action risks dismissal of subsequent suits, procedural bars on omitted reliefs, and possible adverse cost orders. Courts, as emphasized in Mohd. Khalil v. Mahbub Ali Mian and reaffirmed in Cuddalore Powergen Corporation Ltd. v. Chemplast Cuddalore Vinyls Ltd. (2025), assess whether the two suits arise from identical facts and legal grounds; if so, the later action is barred under both principles, ensuring that all claims related to one transaction are consolidated in a single proceeding.
