Where suit is instituted without next friend, plaint to be taken off the file
Full Text
(1) Where a suit is instituted by or on behalf of a minor without a next friend, the defendant may apply to have the plaint taken off the file, with costs to be paid by the pleader or other person by whom it was presented.
(2) Notice of such application shall be given to such person, and the Court, after hearing his objections (if any) may make such order in the matter as it thinks fit.
Plain English Summary
Provides a defensive remedy where a minor files a suit without a next friend, empowering the defendant to apply to take the plaint off the file, with personal cost penalties against the presenting advocate or agent.
Key Legal Elements
- Procedural Defect: Suit filed by minor directly without disclosing next friend.
- Defendant's Application: Move to have the plaint taken off the file.
- Personal Cost Sanction: Costs may be saddled personally on the presenting pleader.
- Curability: Court retains discretion to allow amendment to appoint a next friend rather than outright rejection.
Practical Note
Handling Suits Filed Without Next Friend: If a defendant discovers that the plaintiff is a minor (e.g. 17 years old) who filed the suit claiming to be a major, immediately move an application under Rule 2 supported by school birth certificates or Aadhaar records. The court will order the advocate to explain the concealment and either rectify the plaint by appointing a solvent next friend or dismiss it with costs.
हिंदी पाठ
(1) जहां किसी अप्राप्तवय द्वारा या उसकी ओर से कोई वाद बिना वाद-मित्र के संस्थित किया जाता है, वहां प्रतिवादी वादपत्र को पत्रावली से निकाले जाने (Plaint to be taken off the file) के लिए आवेदन कर सकेगा, जिसका खर्चा उस प्लीडर या अन्य व्यक्ति द्वारा दिया जाएगा जिसके द्वारा वह प्रस्तुत किया गया था।
(2) ऐसे आवेदन की सूचना ऐसे व्यक्ति को दी जाएगी, और न्यायालय उसकी आपत्तियों की (यदि कोई हों) सुनवाई के पश्चात मामले में ऐसा आदेश कर सकेगा जैसा वह ठीक समझे।