Power to order attendance of deponent for cross-examination
Full Text
(1) Upon any application evidence may be given by affidavit, but the Court may, at the instance of either party, order the attendance for cross-examination of the deponent.
(2) Such attendance shall be in Court, unless the deponent is exempted from personal appearance in Court or the Court otherwise directs.
Plain English Summary
Provides that evidence on interlocutory applications may be given by affidavit, but vests discretion in the court upon application of either party to summon the deponent to open court for cross-examination.
Key Legal Elements
- Interlocutory Applications Covered: Injunctions (Order XXXIX), attachment before judgment (Order XXXVIII), rejection of plaint (Order VII Rule 11).
- Party's Right to Request Cross-Examination: Either party can move the court to cross-examine the affidavit maker.
- Compulsory Attendance in Court: Deponent must physically attend unless legally exempted under Sections 132/133 CPC.
Practical Note
Cross-Examining Deponents in Injunction & Contempt Applications: 1. Landmark Ruling - Kanwar Singh Saini v. High Court of Delhi (2012) 4 SCC 307: Where serious disputes of fact or allegations of disobedience arise in interlocutory or contempt applications, cross-examination under Order XIX Rule 2 must be permitted if sought by a party. 2. Injunction Contests: If the plaintiff files a forged compromise or receipt in an Order XXXIX application, do not merely file a reply. Move an 'Application under Order XIX Rule 2 CPC seeking attendance of the Plaintiff/Deponent for cross-examination on the disputed receipt'.
हिंदी पाठ
(1) किसी भी आवेदन पर साक्ष्य शपथपत्र द्वारा दिया जा सकेगा, किन्तु न्यायालय किसी भी पक्षकार की प्रार्थना पर, शपथग्रहीता (Deponent) को प्रतिपरीक्षा (Cross-examination) के लिए उपस्थित होने का आदेश दे सकेगा।
(2) ऐसी उपस्थिति न्यायालय में होगी, जब तक कि शपथग्रहीता को न्यायालय में व्यक्तिगत उपसंजाति से छूट प्राप्त न हो अथवा न्यायालय अन्यथा निदेश न दे।