Explanation:

- Under Order IX, Rule 8 of the CPC, if a suit is dismissed due to the plaintiff's non-appearance, the plaintiff is generally restricted from bringing a fresh suit on the same cause of action.

- Option 1: is barred

- A fresh suit is barred if a previous suit was dismissed under Order IX, Rule 8.

- Correct Answer: A fresh suit is barred as per Order IX, Rule 9.

- Option 2: is not barred under any circumstances

- Incorrect, as Order IX, Rule 9 explicitly states the bar on a fresh suit.

- Option 3: is not barred subject to law of limitation

- Incorrect, the dismissal bars a fresh suit regardless of the limitation period.

- Option 4: either (b) or (c)

- Incorrect, neither (b) nor (c) is applicable due to the explicit bar.

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