A cause title is the identifying heading of a court case, showing the court and the parties. In a civil plaint, Order VII rule 1 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 supplies the relevant requirements for identifying the court, plaintiff and defendant.
First published: 27 March 2026. Updated: 1 November 2026 (IST).
Legal basis
The rule requires the plaintiff’s name, description and residence, and the defendant’s name, description and residence so far as they can be ascertained. It also requires a statement where either party is a minor or a person of unsound mind. “Cause title” is a procedural label; the rule does not define it as a separate statutory term.
Source: Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, Order VII Rule 1(a)–(d) — official text.
Practical significance
Check the correct parties, their capacities and the court’s prescribed format. The heading identifies the case; it does not replace the pleading of the cause of action, jurisdictional facts or relief. A well-formatted heading alone cannot establish that the chosen court has jurisdiction. Applicable State amendments, court rules and any special statutory procedure must be checked for the particular proceeding.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Is the cause title the same as the cause of action?
No. The heading identifies the case and parties; the cause-of-action facts are a separate plaint requirement under rule 1(e).
Must defendant details always be complete?
Rule 1(c) requires the specified details so far as they can be ascertained.
Does one format apply to every court?
The central rule states required particulars; the applicable court rules and form must also be checked.