Subsequent pleadings
Full Text
No pleading subsequent to the written statement of a defendant other than by way of defence to set-off or counter-claim shall be presented except by the leave of the Court and upon such terms as the Court thinks fit; but the Court may at any time require a written statement or additional written statement from any of the parties and fix a time of not more than thirty days for presenting the same.
Plain English Summary
Restricts subsequent pleadings (replications/rejoinders) after the written statement, mandating prior leave of the court and empowering the court to order additional written statements within a maximum 30-day window.
Key Legal Elements
- Leave of Court Mandatory: Replication/rejoinder cannot be placed on record as a matter of right.
- Exception for Set-Off/Counter-Claim: Reply to counter-claim/set-off does not require prior leave.
- Court's Power to Direct Additional WS: Court can suo motu call for additional statements within 30 days.
- No Departure Allowed: Replication cannot introduce a fresh cause of action or contradict the plaint (Order VI Rule 7).
Practical Note
Filing Replications & Additional Written Statements: 1. Application for Leave to File Replication: In most High Court jurisdictions (e.g. Delhi), filing a replication requires formal leave under Rule 9: 'Application on behalf of Plaintiff under Order VIII Rule 9 read with Section 151 CPC for Leave to File Replication to the Written Statement of Defendant'. 2. Scope of Replication: A replication can clarify or rebut specific new allegations of fact raised in the Written Statement (e.g., explaining a receipt, replying to fraud allegations). It CANNOT be used to introduce new reliefs or alter the core cause of action. 3. Thirty-Day Outer Limit: When court directs additional pleadings, the statutory window is strictly capped at 30 days.
हिंदी पाठ
मुजराई या प्रतिदावे की प्रतिरक्षा के रूप में किए जाने वाले अभिवचन से भिन्न, प्रतिवादी के लिखित कथन के पश्चातवर्ती कोई भी अभिवचन (Subsequent Pleading / Replication / Rejoinder) न्यायालय की इजाजत के बिना और ऐसे निबंधनों के बिना, जिन्हें न्यायालय ठीक समझे, प्रस्तुत नहीं किया जाएगा; किंतु न्यायालय किसी भी समय पक्षकारों में से किसी से भी लिखित कथन या अतिरिक्त लिखित कथन की अपेक्षा कर सकेगा और उसे प्रस्तुत करने के लिए अनधिक तीस दिन (Not more than 30 days) का समय नियत कर सकेगा।