LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CIVIL PROCEDURE – Court Cannot Grant Relief Not Claimed – Prohibition Against Granting Reliefs Not Claimed by Parties
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
A court acts beyond its jurisdiction when it grants relief that was not claimed by the parties in their pleadings or process.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
"It has been held in a number of cases ... that a court would be acting beyond its jurisdiction to grant reliefs not asked for by the claimant."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
This principle enforces the fundamental rule that litigation is party-driven and courts cannot award relief beyond what parties seek. The scope of litigation is defined by pleadings, and courts must confine themselves to claims actually made. Granting unasked-for relief violates both jurisdictional boundaries and natural justice—the opposing party has no opportunity to defend against claims not made. The principle applies to all forms of relief (monetary, declaratory, injunctive, etc.) and at all court levels. Even if evidence and law might support alternative relief, courts cannot sua sponte award it. Parties desiring specific relief must plead it. The principle prevents surprise, ensures fair hearing, and maintains the adversarial character of litigation. It also prevents judicial activism from exceeding proper bounds by imposing remedies neither party sought.