Here are the best landmark judgments on Order VII Rule 11 CPC (Rejection of Plaint) with proper citation and crisp judicial summary (exam + trial court useful):

1️⃣ T. Arivandandam v. T.V. Satyapal

Citation: (1977) 4 SCC 467
Bench: Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer

🔹 Ratio:

• If on a meaningful reading of the plaint, it is manifestly vexatious and meritless, the Court must reject it at the threshold.

• Trial courts should not permit “clever drafting” to create illusion of cause of action.

• Power under Order 7 Rule 11 must be exercised activly and promptly.

🔹 Importance:

Foundation case for preventing abuse of process.

2️⃣ Saleem Bhai v. State of Maharashtra

Citation: (2003) 1 SCC 557

🔹 Ratio:

• While deciding application under Order 7 Rule 11:
  ✔ Only plaint averments are to be seen
  ❌ Written statement is irrelevant

• The power can be exercised at any stage of the suit.

🔹 Importance:

Clarified scope of scrutiny.

3️⃣ Dahiben v. Arvindbhai Kalyanji Bhanusali

Citation: (2020) 7 SCC 366

🔹 Ratio:

• If suit is barred by limitation from plaint itself, rejection is mandatory.

• Courts must examine whether plaint discloses:

  • Real cause of action

  • Or merely illusory statements

• Clever drafting cannot save barred suit.

🔹 Importance:

Modern authoritative judgment (frequently cited in Gujarat HC).

4️⃣ Church of Christ Charitable Trust v. Ponniamman Educational Trust

Citation: (2012) 8 SCC 706

🔹 Ratio:

• Cause of action must be clearly disclosed.

• Absence of material facts = rejection.

• Partial rejection of plaint is not permissible (whole plaint must go).

5️⃣ Mayar (H.K.) Ltd. v. Owners & Parties, Vessel M.V. Fortune Express

Citation: (2006) 3 SCC 100

🔹 Ratio:

• Court must assume plaint facts as true.

• If those facts still do not disclose right to sue → reject.

📌 Quick Judicial Test (Exam Ready)

While deciding Order 7 Rule 11:

1. Read plaint as a whole

2. Assume facts true

3. Ignore defence

4. Check:

   • Cause of action? (Cl. a)

   • Undervaluation? (Cl. b)

   • Insufficient court fee? (Cl. c)

   • Bar by law (Limitation/Statute)? (Cl. d)

   • Duplicate plaint? (Cl. e & f)

🧑‍⚖️ Most Frequently Cited in Courts Today:

👉 Dahiben (2020)
👉 Saleem Bhai (2003)
👉 T. Arivandandam (1977)