Karnataka Judicial Service (KJS) Contract, TPA, CPC & Evidence Syllabus

Karnataka Judicial Service (KJS) Contract, TPA, CPC & Evidence: topic-wise syllabus

1. 1

   Offer, Acceptance, and Communication (Sections 2-10)

   • Proposal/Offer: Definition (Section 2a), Types (Express, Implied, Specific, General)
   • Acceptance: Section 2b, Absolute and Unqualified (Section 7), Conditional Acceptance is Counter-Offer
   • Communication of Offer/Acceptance (Sections 3-5): When Complete
   • Revocation of Offer/Acceptance (Sections 5-6): Time of Revocation, Modes
   • Standing/Open Offers and Acceptance
   • Case Law: Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co [1893] (Unilateral Offer); Lalman Shukla v Gauri Dutt (Acceptance with Knowledge)
2. 2

   Consideration and Privity of Contract (Sections 2d, 23-27)

   • Definition of Consideration (Section 2d): Benefit-Detriment Analysis
   • Essentials: Moved at Desire of Promisor, Promisor-Promisee-Consideration Link
   • Adequacy vs Sufficiency: Courts Don't Weigh Adequacy (Section 25)
   • Exceptions to No Consideration No Contract: Natural Love & Affection, Past Service, Completed Gift (Section 25)
   • Communication, Acceptance and Revocation of Proposal (Sections 3-6)
   • Doctrine of Privity of Contract: Only Parties Can Sue
   • Exceptions to Privity: Trust/Covenant, Family Settlement, Assignment, Acknowledgement
   • Case Law: Dunlop Pneumatic v Selfridge (Privity); Chinnaya v Ramayya (Consideration from Third Party); Tweddle v Atkinson
3. 3

   Capacity and Free Consent (Sections 11-22)

   • Who Can Contract: Age of Majority (Majority Act), Sound Mind (Section 12)
   • Minor's Agreements: Void ab initio, Restitution, Liability for Necessaries (Section 68)
   • Persons of Unsound Mind: Idiot, Lunatic, Drunkard, Alien Enemy, Convict
   • Coercion (Section 15): Definition, Threat to Commit Offence, Detaining Property
   • Undue Influence (Section 16): Relationship, Burden of Proof, Presumed vs Proved
   • Fraud (Section 17): Active Concealment, Promise Without Intention, Suggestion Falsi
   • Misrepresentation (Section 18): Innocent vs Fraudulent, Duty to Disclose
   • Mistake (Sections 20-22): Bilateral, Unilateral, Mistake of Fact vs Law
   • Case Law: Mohori Bibee v Dharmodas Ghose (Minor's Contract Void); Ranganayakamma v Alwar Setti (Undue Influence); Derry v Peek (Fraud)
4. 4

   Legality of Object and Void Agreements (Sections 23-30)

   • Unlawful Object and Consideration (Section 23): Forbidden by Law, Defeat Law, Fraudulent, Injurious, Immoral, Public Policy
   • Agreements in Restraint of Marriage (Section 26), Trade (Section 27), Legal Proceedings (Section 28)
   • Ambiguous and Uncertain Agreements (Section 29)
   • Wagering Agreements (Section 30): Definition, Void, Exceptions (Horse Racing, Skill Games)
   • Contingent Contracts (Sections 31-36): Dependent on Future Event, Wagering Distinguished
   • Case Law: Gherulal Parakh v Mahadeodas Maiya (Wagering); Mohan Breweries v Unitech (Restraint of Trade)
5. 5

   Performance and Discharge of Contract (Sections 37-67)

   • Obligation of Parties to Perform (Section 37), Joint Promisors (Sections 42-44)
   • Time of Performance (Section 46-50), Time as Essence (Section 55)
   • Discharge by Performance, Breach (Actual vs Anticipatory), Frustration
   • Anticipatory Breach: Repudiation Before Due Date, Election to Treat as Breach
   • Doctrine of Frustration (Section 56): Impossibility, Supervening Events, Not Self-Induced
   • Effects of Frustration: Contract Discharged, Adjustment of Rights
   • Case Law: Satyabrata Ghose v Mugneeram Bangur (Frustration); Taylor v Caldwell (Doctrine of Frustration); Hochster v De la Tour (Anticipatory Breach)
6. 6

   Breach of Contract and Remedies (Sections 73-75)

   • Compensation for Loss/Damage (Section 73): Remoteness, Direct vs Consequential
   • Measure of Damages: Expectation, Reliance, Restitution
   • Liquidated Damages and Penalty (Section 74): Court's Discretion, Reasonable Compensation
   • Quantum Meruit: Claim for Work Done Without Contract Price
   • Suit for Specific Performance (SRA 1963), Injunction
   • Case Law: Hadley v Baxendale (Remoteness of Damage); Karsales v Wallis (Fundamental Breach)
7. 7

   Indemnity and Guarantee (Sections 124-147)

   • Contract of Indemnity (Section 124): Definition, Rights of Indemnity Holder (Section 125)
   • Contract of Guarantee (Section 126): Definition, Surety-Principal Debtor-Creditor
   • Essential Features of Guarantee: Consideration (Section 127), Writing Not Required
   • Continuing Guarantee (Section 129), Revocation of Guarantee (Section 130-132)
   • Liability of Surety (Section 128): Co-extensive, Limits to Surety's Liability
   • Discharge of Surety (Sections 133-141): Variance, Release, Loss of Security
   • Rights of Surety (Sections 140-145): Subrogation, Indemnity, Contribution
   • Case Law: Bank of Bihar v Damodar Prasad (Surety Liability)
8. 8

   Bailment and Pledge (Sections 148-181)

   • Bailment (Section 148): Definition, Bailor and Bailee, Delivery of Possession
   • Gratuitous vs Non-Gratuitous Bailment
   • Duties of Bailee (Sections 151-152): Reasonable Care, Not to Make Unauthorized Use (Section 154)
   • Duty of Bailor: Disclose Faults in Goods (Section 150), Repay Necessary Expenses (Section 158)
   • Finder of Goods (Sections 168-172): Rights, When Becomes Owner
   • Pledge (Section 172): Definition, Essentials, Pledge by Non-Owner (Sections 178-180)
   • Rights of Pawnee (Sections 173-177): Retain, Sue, Sell
   • Case Law: Coggs v Bernard (Bailment Duties); Morvi Mercantile Bank v Union of India (Pledge by Non-Owner)
9. 9

   Agency (Sections 182-238)

   • Definition of Agent and Principal (Section 182), Kinds of Agents
   • Creation of Agency (Sections 183-188): Express, Implied, Ratification (Section 196-200)
   • Agent's Authority: Actual, Ostensible/Apparent, Authority by Necessity
   • Duties of Agent (Sections 211-216): Duty of Care, Account, Not to Make Secret Profit
   • Rights of Agent (Sections 217-225): Remuneration, Lien, Indemnity
   • Principal's Liability for Agent's Acts (Sections 226-228)
   • Personal Liability of Agent (Sections 230-234): Foreign Principal, Undisclosed Principal
   • Termination of Agency (Sections 201-210): Revocation, Renunciation, Death, Insanity
   • Case Law: Lloyd v Grace Smith (Ostensible Authority); Sitaram v Suman (Ratification)
10. 10

    General Principles of Transfer (Sections 5-18)

    • Definition: Transfer of Property (Section 5), Immovable Property (Section 3)
    • Competence to Transfer (Section 6): Property That May Be Transferred, Property That Cannot (Spes Successionis, Right of Re-entry, etc.)
    • Operation of Transfer (Sections 8-9): What Passes on Transfer
    • Conditional Transfers (Sections 10-14): Condition Subsequent, Condition Precedent
    • Transfer to Unborn Person (Section 13), Rule Against Perpetuities (Section 14)
    • Vested and Contingent Interests (Sections 19-21)
    • Case Law: State of UP v District Judge (Rule Against Perpetuities); Sopher v Ahmedabad (Unborn Person)
11. 11

    Important Doctrines (Sections 41-53)

    • Doctrine of Lis Pendens (Section 52): Stay of Transfer Pending Suit
    • Doctrine of Fraudulent Transfer (Section 53): Transfers to Defeat Creditors Voidable
    • Doctrine of Part Performance (Section 53A): Possession in Pursuance of Contract
    • Doctrine of Election (Section 35): Person Cannot Accept and Reject Same Instrument
    • Doctrine of Feeding Grant by Estoppel (Section 43): Transfer by Unauthorised Person
    • Case Law: Hamda Ammal v Avadiappa Pathar (Lis Pendens); Shrimati Savitri v FAICT (Part Performance)
12. 12

    Sale of Immovable Property (Sections 54-57)

    • Definition of Sale (Section 54): Transfer of Ownership for a Price, Registration Required
    • Rights and Liabilities of Buyer and Seller (Sections 55): Title, Charge for Price, Encumbrances
    • Marshalling by Buyer (Section 56), Discharge of Encumbrances (Section 57)
13. 13

    Mortgage and Charge (Sections 58-100)

    • Definition of Mortgage (Section 58), Mortgagor, Mortgagee, Mortgage Deed
    • Kinds of Mortgages: Simple (Section 58b), Mortgage by Condition Sale (Section 58c), English Mortgage (Section 58e), Equitable (Section 58f), AnomalousRights of Mortgagor (Sections 60-66): Redemption, Partial Redemption (Section 60), Accession (Section 63), Renewal (Section 64), Implied Contract (Section 65)
    • Right of Redemption (Section 60): Once a Mortgage Always a Mortgage, No Clog on Redemption
    • Foreclosure and Sale (Sections 67-68): Mortgagee's Right
    • Rights of Mortgagee (Sections 69-77): Sale, Receiver, Accounts
    • Priorities: Mortgages (Sections 78-80), Subrogation (Sections 91-96)
    • Charge (Section 100): Definition, Differs from Mortgage, Enforcement
    • Case Law: Pomal Kanji Govindji v Vrajlal Karsandas Purohit (Clog on Redemption); Gappulal v Thakurji (Subrogation)
14. 14

    Lease, Exchange, and Gift (Sections 105-127)

    • Lease of Immovable Property (Section 105): Lessor, Lessee, Premium, Rent, Term
    • Duration, Registration, Determination (Sections 106-117): Lapse, Merger, Surrender, Forfeiture
    • Exchange (Sections 118-121): Mutual Transfer of Ownership
    • Gift (Sections 122-127): Definition, Essentials, Donor-Donee, Acceptance, Gift to Unborn, Onerous Gift
    • Revocation of Gift: Completed vs Incomplete, Conditions, Fraud
15. 15

    Transfers of Actionable Claims (Sections 130-137)

    • Definition of Actionable Claim (Section 3), Transfer (Section 130)
    • Transfer of Insurance Policy (Section 131), Negotiable Instruments (Section 137)
16. 16

    Introduction and Classification of Evidence

    • Object and Scope of Evidence Law: Why Exclude Certain Evidence, Relevancy and Admissibility
    • Difference Between Indian Evidence Act 1872 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023: Key Changes
    • Fact: Factum Probans, Factum Probandum — Facts in Issue and Relevant Facts (Section 3)
    • Evidence: Oral and Documentary, Direct and Circumstantial, Primary and Secondary
    • Presumption of Fact and Law: May Presume, Shall Presume, Conclusive Proof (Section 4)
17. 17

    Relevancy of Facts (Sections 5-16 BSA / Sections 6-16 IEA)

    • Res Gestae (Section 6): Transactional Facts, Spontaneous Exclamations, Acts Accompanying/Explaining
    • Occasion, Cause, Effect of Facts in Issue (Section 7), Motive/Preparation/Conduct (Section 8)
    • Facts Necessary to Explain or Introduce (Section 9): Identification, Times, Place
    • Conspiracy Statements (Section 10): Rendezvous of Conspirators, Reasonable Ground
    • When Fact Not Otherwise Relevant Becomes Relevant (Sections 11-16): Inconsistent, Customs, State of Mind/Body
18. 18

    Admissions and Confessions (Sections 17-31 IEA / BSA 17-31)

    • Admission (Section 17): Definition, Who Can Make (Section 18), Against Whom Relevant
    • Admission in Civil Cases: When Conclusive, Evidentiary Value
    • Confession (Section 15 BSA / IEA 17): Judicial vs Extra-judicial, Retracted Confession
    • Confession to Police (Section 24 IEA / Section 23 BSA): Irrelevant, Custodial Confession, Police Custody
    • Confession Caused by Inducement/Threat/Promise (Section 24 IEA / Section 21 BSA)
    • Confession of Co-accused (Section 30 IEA / BSA): When Relevant, Evidentiary Value
    • Case Law: Pakala Narayana Swami v Emperor (Confession Definition); Sarwan Singh v State of Punjab (Extra-judicial Confession)
19. 19

    Dying Declaration and Expert Evidence (Sections 32-33, 45-51 IEA)

    • Dying Declaration (Section 32(1) IEA): When Death Person's Statement Relevant, Conditions, Evidentiary Value, Corroboration
    • Other Statements of Deceased Persons: Cause of Death (Section 32(1)), Course of Business (Section 32(2)), Pedigree (Section 32(6))
    • Opinion of Experts (Section 45): Handwriting, Fingerprints, Medical, Ballistics, DNA, Electronic
    • Opinion of Third Persons (Sections 46-51): Custom, Rights, Usage, Tenancy
    • Case Law: Sharad Birdhichand v State of Maharashtra (Dying Declaration); Khushal Rao v State of Bombay (Dying Declaration)
20. 20

    Burden of Proof and Estoppel (Sections 101-117 IEA)

    • Burden of Proof (Section 101): On Who Assert, Shifting During Trial
    • Burden on Prosecution in Criminal Cases, Reverse Onus (Dowry Death, NDPS, PMLA)
    • Presumptions as to Documents (Sections 81-90): Certified Copies, Wills, 30-Year-Old Documents
    • Estoppel (Section 115 IEA): Definition, Three Conditions: Representation, Reliance, Detriment
    • Kinds of Estoppel: Record, Deed, Pais/Conduct, Promissory Estoppel, Equitable Estoppel
    • Estoppel vs Res Judicata, No Estoppel Against Statute, Against Minor
21. 21

    Witnesses and Their Examination (Sections 118-167 IEA)

    • Competency of Witnesses (Section 118): All Competent Unless Prevented, Child, Lunatic, Deaf/Mute
    • Accused as Witness (Section 315 CrPC), Spousal Competence, Dumb Witnesses
    • Privileged Communications (Sections 121-132): Judges, Magistrates, Legal Advisers, Spouses (Section 122), Official (Section 123)
    • Examination-in-Chief, Cross-Examination, Re-examination (Sections 137-138)
    • Leading Questions (Section 142-143): When Permitted, Cross-examination Rules
    • Hostile Witnesses (Section 154): With Permission, Contradict Own Witness
    • Refreshing Memory (Sections 159-161), Production of Documents
22. 22

    Documentary and Oral Evidence (Sections 61-100 IEA)

    • Primary Evidence (Section 62): The Document Itself, Best Evidence Rule
    • Secondary Evidence (Section 63): Copies, Oral Account, When Admissible (Section 65)
    • Public vs Private Documents (Sections 74-78), Certified Copies
    • Presumptions as to Documents (Sections 79-90 A): Gazettes, Electronic, Certified Copies
    • Exclusion of Oral by Documentary Evidence (Sections 91-100): Best Evidence Rule, Variations of Written Terms
23. 23

    Electronic Evidence and Digital Records

    • Electronic Records as Evidence: Section 65A-65B IEA, Section 63-64 BSA 2023
    • Admissibility: Certificate Under Section 65B(4), Electronic Signature
    • Key Changes in BSA 2023: Electronic Evidence Expanded, Oral Evidence Includes Electronic
    • Case Law: Anvar P V v P K Basheer (Section 65B); Shafhi Mohammad v State of HP; Arjun Pandit Rao v State of Karnataka
24. 24

    Jurisdiction and Institution of Suits (Sections 6-35)

    • Kinds of Jurisdiction: Subject-Matter (Pecuniary/Value), Territorial, Original/Appellate
    • Place of Suing (Sections 15-20): Defendant's Residence, Cause of Action, Leave of Court
    • Institution of Suit (Section 26, Order IV): Plaint, Filing, Register
    • Cause of Action: Every Fact to Be Proved, Joinder of Causes
    • Res Judicata (Section 11): Conditions, Constructive Res Judicata (Explanation VIII), Exceptions
    • Res Sub Judice (Section 10): Stay of Suit, Same Matter in Previously Instituted Suit
25. 25

    Pleadings and Parties (Order I, Order VI, Order VIII)

    • Pleading (Order VI): Plaint and Written Statement, Rule: Facts Not Law, Material Facts, Concise
    • Amendment of Pleadings (Order VI Rule 17): Before Trial, After Trial Commence, Prejudice
    • Parties to Suit (Order I): Joinder, Misjoinder, Non-Joinder, Necessary vs Proper Party
    • Representative Suits (Order I Rule 8): Common Interest, Notice, Binding Effect
    • Written Statement (Order VIII): Denials, Set-Off (Order VIII Rule 6), Counter-Claim (Order VIII Rule 6A-6G)
26. 26

    Summons, Appearance, and Ex-Parte Decree (Orders V, IX, XVI)

    • Summons to Defendant (Order V): Contents, Modes of Service, Substituted Service
    • Appearance of Parties (Order IX): Consequences of Non-Appearance, Ex-Parte Decree
    • Setting Aside Ex-Parte Decree (Order IX Rule 13): Sufficient Cause, Burden of Proof
    • Summoning and Attendance of Witnesses (Order XVI, XVI-A)
    • Production, Impounding, Return of Documents (Order XIII)
27. 27

    Issues, Trial, and Judgment (Orders XIV, XVIII, XX)

    • Framing of Issues (Order XIV): Material Propositions, Onus of Proof, Cardinal to Case
    • Disposal at First Hearing (Order XV): Admissions, Struck Off
    • Trial (Order XVIII): Date Fixed, Hearing of Suit, Examination of Parties (Order X)
    • Judgment (Order XX): Pronouncement, Contents, Decree (Section 2(2), Order XX Rule 1-8)
    • Interest (Section 34): Pendente Lite, Future Interest
28. 28

    Execution of Decrees (Sections 36-74, Orders XXI, XXXVIII)

    • Court Executing Decree (Section 37-38): Which Court, Transfer for Execution (Section 39-42)
    • Modes of Execution (Section 51): Delivery of Property, Attachment and Sale, Arrest and Detention, Receiver
    • Attachment of Property (Order XXI Rules 41-56): What Can be Attached (Section 60), Exemptions
    • Sale of Property (Order XXI Rules 64-96): Procedure, Proclamation, Setting Aside
    • Arrest and Detention (Section 55-59): Conditions, Privilege from Arrest
    • Stay of Execution (Section 47, Order XXI Rule 26-29)
29. 29

    Commission and Interim Orders (Orders XXVI, XXXIX, XL)

    • Commission (Order XXVI): Examination of Witnesses, Local Investigation, Scientific Investigation, Sale of Movables
    • Temporary Injunctions (Order XXXIX): Prima Facie Case, Balance of Convenience, Irreparable Injury
    • Appointment of Receiver (Order XL): Appointment, Powers, Duties
    • Arrest Before Judgment (Order XXXVIII): Defendant About to Abscond, Conditional Attachment
30. 30

    Appeals, Review, Reference, and Revision (Sections 96-115)

    • Appeal from Original Decree (Section 96, 100A): First Appeal to High Court, Substantial Question of Law
    • Second Appeal (Section 100): Only Substantial Question of Law
    • Appeal from Orders (Section 104, Order XLIII): Appealable Orders Listed
    • Appeals to Supreme Court (Sections 109, 112): Civil Matters of General Importance
    • Reference (Section 113): Doubt as to Law, Power of HC
    • Review (Section 114, Order XLVII): Error Apparent on Face of Record, Discovery of New Evidence
    • Revision (Section 115): High Court's Power, Conditions: Jurisdictional Error, Failure to Exercise, Illegal/Irregular
    • Inherent Powers of Court (Section 151): Courts of Justice, No Injustice, When Parties' Rights Cannot Be Exercised — Abuse of Process
31. 31

    Limitation, Caveat, Costs, and Legal Aid (Sections 35, 148A, Orders XXV, XXXIII)

    • Caveat (Section 148A): Right to Be Heard Before Interim Order
    • Security for Costs (Order XXV), Pauper Suits (Order XXXIII): Indigent Person, Permission to Sue Without Court Fees
    • Costs (Section 35): Discretion of Court, Compensatory Costs (Section 35A), Costs for Causing Delay (Section 35B)
    • Limitation for Suits: Limitation Act 1963, Period for Different Suits, Exclusion of Time