Counter-claim

It must contain

1. 01A right or claim accruing to the defendant before he has delivered his defence — Rule 6A(1).
2. 02A claim within the pecuniary jurisdiction of the court trying the suit.
3. 03Court fee, as on a plaint. A counter-claim is a claim, and it is paid for like one.
4. 04The particulars a plaint would carry: the facts, the cause of action, and the specific relief.
5. 05Room for the plaintiff to answer it — the plaintiff may file a written statement in reply — Rule 6A(3).

Where it fails

• Raised after the defence has been delivered, which is outside what Rule 6A permits.
• Filed without court fee, and so not a claim the court can decree.
• Pleaded as argument against the plaint rather than as an independent claim with its own cause of action.