Most Rajasthan judiciary aspirants spend months reading substantive law — BNS, CPC, Contract Act, Evidence. But when they sit for the RJS mains exam, judgment writing is the question that decides their score. A single judgment writing question in the Rajasthan judiciary mains carries 20 to 30 marks. Miss the format, and those marks are gone — regardless of how well you know the law.
This guide gives you the complete judgment writing format for RJS — civil judgment and criminal judgment — with worked examples based on the actual RJS mains pattern, step-by-step structure, and the common mistakes that cost marks. Everything here reflects how judgments are actually written in Rajasthan district courts and before the Rajasthan High Court — not just what coaching notes say.
Why Judgment Writing Decides Your Rank in the Rajasthan Judiciary Mains
The Rajasthan judiciary mains uses step-marking for judgment writing. Every completed step earns marks independently — framing of issues, evidence summary, legal reasoning, operative part. A candidate who reaches the wrong conclusion but correctly completes every step will outscore a candidate who knows the law perfectly but jumps straight to a conclusion without following the judgment writing format.
| The Most Important Insight About RJS Mains Judgment Writing: The final decision — suit decreed or dismissed in civil; conviction or acquittal in criminal — is NOT what earns you the most marks. It is the format, the framing of issues, the evidence appreciation, and the reasoning that carry the weight. Always complete every step. Never skip to the conclusion. |
Civil Judgment Writing Format for RJS Mains
In the Rajasthan judiciary mains Law Paper I, civil judgment writing tests your ability to apply civil procedure and substantive law to a given problem. A civil judgment is defined under Section 2(9) of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 as the statement given by the judge on the grounds of a decree or order. Order 20 CPC governs pronouncement and contents. Every civil judgment writing answer in the RJS mains must follow this structure.
Civil Judgment Writing — 12-Step Format (Order 20 CPC)
| Step 1 | Court Header — Court name, presiding officer (write dots/XYZ, never your real name), suit number, year |
| Step 2 | Parties — Plaintiff: name, age, address | Defendant: name, age, address |
| Step 3 | Nature of Suit — e.g., Suit for Recovery of Money / Suit for Specific Performance |
| Step 4 | Appearances — Counsel for plaintiff and counsel for defendant |
| Step 5 | Statement of Case — Summarise plaintiff’s plaint; then defendant’s written statement |
| Step 6 | Framing of Issues — Legal questions framed under Order 14 CPC — most marks-bearing step |
| Step 7 | Evidence — Witnesses (PW-1, DW-1); Documents exhibited (Ex. P-1, Ex. D-1) |
| Step 8 | Arguments — One-line summary of each side’s counsel submission |
| Step 9 | Finding on Each Issue — Apply law + case law per issue; give clear reasoning |
| Step 10 | Decree / Operative Part — Relief: suit decreed or dismissed; amount; interest rate |
| Step 11 | Costs — Award costs to which party; this step is mandatory, never skip it |
| Step 12 | Date, Signature of Presiding Officer, Seal of Court |
Civil Judgment Writing — Worked Example (Based on Actual RJS Mains 2018 Q.24)
The following worked example is based on Question 24 from the actual RJS Mains 2018 Law Paper I — the most referenced civil judgment writing question in Rajasthan judiciary preparation. Use this as your format template.
Problem: Plaintiff P and Defendant D are known to each other. On 17 July 2014, D borrowed Rs. 1,87,690 from P, agreed to repay after one year at 20% annual interest, and executed a written agreement. Despite demand, D did not repay. P filed suit for Rs. 2,56,115 with costs. D denied the borrowal and agreement in his written statement, claimed the odd figure makes the claim doubtful, and counter-claimed that P owes him money for construction work.
| IN THE COURT OF CIVIL JUDGE, ……………… (RJS) Civil Original Suit No. …….. / 20….. P s/o ……………….., aged ….. years, r/o …………… …Plaintiff Versus D s/o ……………….., aged ….. years, r/o …………… …Defendant SUIT FOR RECOVERY OF MONEY Present: Shri ……………….., Counsel for Plaintiff Shri ……………….., Counsel for Defendant JUDGMENT 1. STATEMENT OF CASE The plaintiff P instituted the present suit against the defendant D for recovery of Rs. 2,56,115/- along with costs and interest. It is the case of the plaintiff that on 17.07.2014, the defendant borrowed a sum of Rs. 1,87,690/- for personal necessity and agreed to repay the same after one year with interest @ 20% per annum. A written agreement to this effect was executed between the parties, marked as Ex. P-1. Despite repeated demands, the defendant failed to repay the said amount. The defendant, in his written statement, denied the borrowal as well as the execution of the agreement. It was further pleaded that the odd figure of the alleged loan renders the claim doubtful. The defendant also contended that the plaintiff, in fact, owes him money for construction work carried out at the plaintiff’s house. 2. FRAMING OF ISSUES (Order XIV CPC) Whether the defendant borrowed Rs. 1,87,690/- from the plaintiff on 17.07.2014 at 20% annual interest? Whether a written agreement was executed between the parties? Whether the plaintiff is entitled to the decree as claimed? What order as to costs? 3. EVIDENCE PW-1 (Plaintiff P): Deposed in support of the plaint averments and produced the written agreement Ex. P-1. DW-1 (Defendant D): Denied the borrowal and disputed the execution of Ex. P-1. The Court referred Ex. P-1 along with the admitted signatures of the defendant to a handwriting expert. The expert’s report was received and marked as Ex. P-2. CW-1 (Handwriting Expert): Deposed that the signatures on Ex. P-1 match the admitted signatures of the defendant on his written statement. 4. ARGUMENTS Learned Counsel for the Plaintiff: Argued that Ex. P-1 is genuine and duly proved, and the expert evidence corroborates the plaintiff’s case. Learned Counsel for the Defendant: Contended that expert opinion under Section 39 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 is merely advisory in nature and cannot be solely relied upon to determine liability. 5. FINDINGS ON ISSUES Issues No. 1 & 2 (Taken Together) This Court has personally compared the signatures of the defendant on Ex. P-1 with his admitted signatures on the written statement. Both signatures are in Hindi, and being familiar with the language, this Court finds them to be matching. This finding corroborates the expert opinion Ex. P-2. Reliance is placed on Ram Narain v. State of U.P. (AIR 1973 SC), wherein it was held that expert opinion gains reliability when supported by the Court’s own comparison. The contention of the defendant regarding the odd figure of the loan amount does not discredit the documentary evidence. The plea relating to construction work constitutes a separate cause of action and cannot defeat the present claim. Accordingly, Issues No. 1 & 2 are decided in favour of the Plaintiff and against the Defendant. Issue No. 3 In view of the findings on Issues No. 1 & 2, the plaintiff is entitled to recover Rs. 2,56,115/- (inclusive of principal and interest @ 20% per annum from 17.07.2015 till the date of filing of the suit). The plaintiff is further entitled to interest @ 9% per annum from the date of decree till actual realization. Accordingly, Issue No. 3 is decided in favour of the Plaintiff. 6. DECREE / OPERATIVE PART The suit of the plaintiff is hereby DECREED. The defendant is directed to pay a sum of Rs. 2,56,115/- to the plaintiff along with interest @ 9% per annum from the date of this decree till actual realization. 7. COSTS Costs of the suit are awarded in favour of the plaintiff. Pronounced in open Court on this ….. day of ……….. 20….. (Signature) Civil Judge, ………………….. Seal of the Court |
Common Mistakes in Civil Judgment Writing That Cost Marks
- Writing an essay about CPC or Contract Act without framing issues first — framing of issues under Order 14 CPC is a mandatory, marks-bearing step in every civil judgment writing answer.
- Skipping the evidence section — many RJS mains aspirants go directly from pleadings to findings. Evidence is a separate step with separate marks.
- No operative part — ending the answer with ‘suit is decreed’ without specifying the relief amount, interest rate, and costs loses the entire operative step’s marks.
- Writing your real name in the presiding officer field — always use dots or XYZ in RJS mains judgment writing. Never identify yourself.
- Forgetting the Seal of Court and the Costs issue — both are small steps that carry marks and are frequently missed under time pressure.
Criminal Charge Framing Format for RJS Mains (BNSS 2023)
Criminal charge framing is tested in Law Paper II of the Rajasthan judiciary mains. Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) — which replaced CrPC from July 1, 2024 — Section 228 BNSS governs charge framing by Sessions Court, and Section 251 BNSS governs charges in warrant cases before a Magistrate. A charge must contain the offence name, BNS section, time and place, manner of commission, and the accused’s plea.
Criminal Charge Framing — Worked Example (BNSS 2023)
Problem: On the night of 15 March 2024, accused Ramesh entered the house of complainant Suresh at Village Shyamnagar, Jaipur, armed with a knife, demanded cash, and on refusal stabbed Suresh on the right arm causing grievous hurt requiring 12 days hospitalisation. Trial before Sessions Judge, Jaipur.
| IN THE COURT OF SESSIONS JUDGE, JAIPUR Sessions Case No. …….. / 20….. State of Rajasthan …Prosecution Versus Ramesh s/o ……………, aged ….. years, r/o Village Shyamnagar, District Jaipur …Accused CHARGE I, …………………………., Sessions Judge, Jaipur, hereby charge you, Ramesh s/o ……………., as follows: CHARGE 1: That you, on the night of 15.03.2024, at Village Shyamnagar, District Jaipur, voluntarily caused GRIEVOUS HURT to Suresh by stabbing him on the right arm with a knife, causing a wound requiring 12 days hospitalisation, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 116 BNS, 2023, within my cognizance. CHARGE 2: That you, on the same date and place, committed ROBBERY by entering Suresh’s house with intent to commit theft and causing hurt in the course thereof, and thereby committed an offence under Section 309 read with Section 310 BNS, 2023, within my cognizance. And I hereby direct that you be tried on the above charges. Charges were read and explained to the accused in Hindi. Accused pleaded: NOT GUILTY Dated: ………………….. (Signature) Sessions Judge, Jaipur Seal of the Court |
Civil vs Criminal Judgment Writing — Key Differences at a Glance
One of the most common mistakes Rajasthan judiciary aspirants make in the civil judge mains exam is mixing up civil judgment writing and criminal judgment writing formats. Jyoti Saxena, who trains civil judge candidates at Jyoti Judiciary Coaching, consistently observes that aspirants confuse framing of issues (civil) with points for determination (criminal). Know these differences clearly before you sit for the RJS mains:
| Parameter | Civil Judgment Writing | Criminal Judgment Writing |
| Governing Law | Order 20 CPC, 1908 | BNSS 2023 (Sections 392-395) |
| Core Step | Framing of Issues (Order 14 CPC) | Points for Determination |
| Parties | Plaintiff vs Defendant | State of Rajasthan vs Accused |
| Evidence | PW-1, DW-1; Exhibits Ex. P-1 | PW-1, DW-1; Material Objects MO-1 |
| Conclusion | Suit Decreed or Dismissed | Convicted or Acquitted |
| Final Step | Operative Part + Costs | Sentence Order (if convicted) |
| Expert Evidence | Section 39 BSA 2023 | Section 39 BSA 2023 |
Important Case Laws to Use in RJS Mains Judgment Writing
Even one relevant Supreme Court decision in your finding section signals to the examiner that you reason like a civil judge — not just a law student. These are the most applicable case laws for both civil judgment writing and criminal judgment writing in the Rajasthan judiciary mains. Jyoti Saxena teaches these cases with their ratio and application at every RJS mains batch:
For Civil Judgment Writing
| Ram Narain v. State of U.P. (1973 SC) | Handwriting expert evidence reliable when corroborated by court’s own comparison — use in money recovery suits with disputed documents. |
| Bachhaj Nahar v. Nilima Mandal (2008 SC) | Issues must be framed strictly on pleadings under Order 14 CPC — court cannot go beyond what parties have pleaded. |
| Roop Kumar v. Mohan Thedani (2003 SC) | Oral evidence on loan transactions — surrounding circumstances of transaction are relevant when documents are disputed. |
For Criminal Judgment Writing
| Sharad Birdhi Chand Sarda v. State of Maharashtra (1984 SC) | Five golden principles for circumstantial evidence — must form complete chain pointing exclusively to guilt. |
| Vadivelu Thevar v. State of Madras (1957 SC) | Court can convict on testimony of a single wholly reliable witness — use when only one eyewitness is available. |
| State of Rajasthan v. Rajaram (2000 SC) | Victim’s ocular testimony corroborated by medical evidence sufficient for conviction in assault and grievous hurt cases. |
BNSS 2023 Quick Reference — Section Numbers for RJS Mains
Since BNS, BNSS, and BSA replaced IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act from July 1, 2024, RJS mains 2026 criminal judgment writing must use BNSS section numbers. Here are the most commonly needed provisions:
| Charge framing — Sessions Court | Section 228 BNSS (was Section 228 CrPC) |
| Charge framing — Magistrate (warrant cases) | Section 251 BNSS (was Section 240 CrPC) |
| Set-off of pre-trial detention | Section 479 BNSS (was Section 428 CrPC) |
| Pronouncement of judgment | Section 392 BNSS (was Section 353 CrPC) |
| Murder | Section 103 BNS (was Section 302 IPC) |
| Grievous hurt | Section 116 BNS (was Section 325 IPC) |
| Rape | Section 64 BNS (was Section 376 IPC) |
| Cheating | Section 318 BNS (was Section 420 IPC) |
| Robbery | Section 309 BNS (was Section 390 IPC) |
| Expert evidence | Section 39 BSA 2023 (was Section 45 Evidence Act) |
| Burden of proof | Section 101 BSA 2023 (was Section 101 Evidence Act) |
How to Prepare Judgment Writing for Rajasthan Judiciary Mains
Knowing the judgment writing format is step one. Writing it correctly under exam pressure on fresh facts — within the three-hour Rajasthan judiciary mains law paper — is what the exam actually tests. Here is the preparation approach that works:
Week 1–2: Format First
- Write the civil judgment header, parties block, and framing of issues section five times from memory — no reference. The judgment writing format must be instinct by exam day, not something you recall slowly.
- Write the criminal charge framing format for five different fact patterns — theft, assault, murder, cheating, POCSO. Each time verify the BNS section number against the bare act before writing.
Week 3–4: Full Problem Practice
- Write one complete civil judgment per day under a 30-minute timer. Self-check: Did you frame issues before findings? Did you write a separate evidence section? Did you cite one case law? Did you write an operative part and costs order?
- Write one complete criminal judgment every two days — charge framing plus full judgment. Check: Did you use BNS/BNSS sections, not IPC/CrPC? Did you write a sentence order as a separate step if there was a conviction?
- Solve RJS mains previous year judgment writing questions — 2018, 2019, 2022 papers. These papers show the actual level of complexity the Rajasthan High Court expects in the civil judge exam.
Ongoing: Case Law and Court Practice
- Maintain a handwritten list of 8-10 case laws per paper — civil and criminal separately. Know each case by its ratio, not just its name and year.
- Read one Rajasthan High Court order per week. Available at hcraj.nic.in. Reading actual judicial writing trains your judgment writing format instinct faster than any coaching textbook.
Frequently Asked Questions — RJS Mains Judgment Writing
Does the final decision (conviction or acquittal, decree or dismissal) matter most in RJS judgment writing?
No. Step-marking means every correctly completed step earns marks independently. A wrong conclusion with correct reasoning, correct format, proper framing of issues, and evidence appreciation will score significantly better in the Rajasthan judiciary mains than a correct conclusion with no format. Always complete every step.
How many issues should I frame in civil judgment writing?
Frame issues strictly on the pleadings provided — do not invent issues that are not in dispute. Typically 3-5 issues are appropriate for an RJS mains civil judgment writing problem. Always include a costs issue as the final issue — mandatory under Order 14 CPC and frequently missed by Rajasthan judiciary aspirants.
Should I use BNS or IPC section numbers in RJS 2026 criminal judgment writing?
Use BNS and BNSS section numbers for any problem based on facts occurring after July 1, 2024. If the problem facts pre-date July 1, 2024, IPC and CrPC apply. To show awareness of the transition, write — Section 116 BNS, 2023 (corresponding to Section 325 IPC) — this demonstrates the updated legal knowledge the Rajasthan High Court’s revised syllabus expects.
What is the difference between framing of issues and points for determination?
Framing of Issues is the civil law term under Order 14 CPC — used in civil suits. Points for Determination is the equivalent in criminal trials. Both define the exact legal questions the court must resolve. Using the correct term in the correct context is itself a marks signal in Rajasthan judiciary mains judgment writing.
For RJS preparation purposes only. Always verify BNS/BNSS/BSA section numbers against official bare acts before examination. Not legal advice.
