law: Indian Evidence Act, 1872 
  40. Previous judgments relevant to bar a second suit or
  
  trial
  The existence of any
  
  judgment, order or decree which by law prevents any Courts from taking
  
  cognizance of a suit or holding a trial, is a relevant fact when the question
  
  is whether such Court ought to take cognizance of such suit, or to hold such
  
  trial.