In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court reiterated a fundamental legal principle: evidence presented in a trial must align with the pleadings. The court’s pronouncement came in response to a case where evidence beyond the scope of the pleadings was introduced.
The court emphasized, “There is no quarrel with the proposition of law that no evidence could be led beyond pleadings.” This underscores the pivotal role of pleadings in shaping the contours of a legal dispute and guiding the course of evidence.
Crucially, the court highlighted that the absence of errors in the pleadings did not justify the introduction of extraneous evidence. Parties must confine their evidence to what is outlined in the pleadings, ensuring a fair and transparent judicial process.
This ruling serves as a reminder of the procedural boundaries within which legal proceedings must operate. It underscores the importance of adherence to pleadings, which serve as the roadmap for the resolution of disputes in courts of law.