Duty to enquire into facts
Full Text
In every suit or proceeding to which this Order applies, it shall be the duty of the Court to inquire, so far it reasonably can, into the facts alleged by the plaintiff and into any facts alleged by the defendant.
Plain English Summary
Imposes an active inquisitorial duty upon the court in family proceedings to inquire into the underlying facts alleged by both parties rather than acting as a passive spectator.
Key Legal Elements
- Shift from Adversarial to Inquisitorial: Active judicial role in ascertaining family realities.
- Bilateral Inquiry: Scrutinizing allegations of both plaintiff and defendant.
- Application in Ex-Parte Cases: Even if one spouse is absent, court must independently satisfy itself of grounds before decreeing divorce or annulment.
Practical Note
Preventing Collusive or Fraudulent Family Decrees: Because Rule 5 imposes an affirmative duty on the judge to inquire into facts, courts cannot grant ex-parte divorce or custody decrees mechanically upon default of appearance. The plaintiff must strictly prove grounds on cogent evidence.
हिंदी पाठ
ऐसे प्रत्येक वाद या कार्यवाही में जिसको यह आदेश लागू होता है, न्यायालय का यह कर्तव्य होगा कि वह जहां तक युक्तियुक्त रूप से कर सके, वादी द्वारा अभिकथित तथ्यों की और प्रतिवादी द्वारा अभिकथित किन्हीं तथ्यों की जांच (Inquire) करे।