- (1.) The challenge in the present revision petition is to the order dated 23.1.2005 passed by the learned Trial Court whereby the application of the petitioners-defendants for permitting to treat Issue No.3-C as preliminary issue was declined. Subsequently, application for review of the said order was also declined by the learned Trial Court on 1,.11.2003.
(2.) It is the categoric case of the petitioner that earlier the plaintiffs have filed a Civil Suit No. 80 of 30.10.1968 against the defendants who were also the defendants in the previous suit on the similar grounds. Said suit was dismissed by the learned Trial Court and such decree was affirmed by this Court in second appeal as well. After dismissal of the said suit, the plaintiffs have filed the present suit without disclosing the decision of the first suit but on an objection raised by the defendants, the plaintiffs have alleged that the said suit was filed in connivance with the officer bearers of the plaintiffs with the defendants.
(3.) The question whether the present suit is barred by res judicata would be relevant issue in view of the fact that the previous judgment and decree is in respect of the similar subject-matter. The only factor which may be relevant is whether the office bearers of the plaintiffs have connived with the defendants and if so the consequences thereof. Therefore, it would be appropriate if Issue No. 3-C should be treated as a preliminary issue which will avoid unnecessary burden of adducing the evidence to be produced by the parties on the remaining issues, since such issues have already been adjudicated upon earlier.;