Denial to be specific
Full Text
It shall not be sufficient for a defendant in his written statement to deny generally the grounds alleged by the plaintiff, but the defendant must deal specifically with each allegation of fact of which he does not admit the truth, except damages.
Plain English Summary
Prohibits general or sweeping denials in written statements, requiring the defendant to specifically and individually traverse every factual allegation raised in the plaint, damages excepted.
Key Legal Elements
- Bar on General Denial: Stating 'Contents of plaint are denied in toto' is legally ineffective.
- Specific Point-by-Point Traverse: Must answer each numbered paragraph individually.
- Damages Exception: Quantum of unliquidated damages is deemed contested even without specific denial.
- Read with Rule 5: Non-specific denial triggers deemed admission.
Practical Note
Drafting the 'Para-wise Reply': In civil litigation, the standard formula 'Contents of paragraph [X] are denied' is inadequate. Counsel must state: 'Contents of paragraph [X] are denied as false and incorrect. It is specifically denied that the defendant borrowed Rs. 5,00,000 on [Date] or executed any promissory note as alleged'.
हिंदी पाठ
प्रतिवादी के लिए अपने लिखित कथन में वादी द्वारा अभिकथित आधारों का साधारणतया इनकार करना पर्याप्त नहीं होगा, बल्कि प्रतिवादी को तथ्य के प्रत्येक ऐसे अभिकथन पर, जिसकी सत्यता वह स्वीकार नहीं करता है, नुकसानी को छोड़कर, विनिर्दिष्टतया (Specifically) विचार करना होगा।