(1) meaning of the written statement :
The written statement is an essential part of every civil suit. When the plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendant or defendants, his plaintiff put his grievance against a defendant. After considering the objection of the plaintiff, the Court can order to issue summons to the opposite parties, which are called the defendants in the suit.
The written statement is a reply to the plaintiff’s suit. The defendant has the right to contest the plaintiff, and in this way, he can oppose the plaintiff by filing his written statement from his side. He may also file a counter-claim against the plaintiff suit along with the written statement and give appropriate relief to the court against the plaintiff.
As per the provision of the civil procedure code 1908, Order 8 rule 1, the defendant shall file his written statement within 30 days from the date of the service summons. However, suppose the defendant fails to file the written statement within these days. In that case, the Court will be allowed to file the written statement on another day, which the Court specifies with the detailed recorded reason in the proceeding. Still, this period is at most 90 days from the date of service of summons.
(2) What is the effect of a non-filing written statement?
The conduct of the defendant in not filing the written statement has to be seen in the facts of each case, and no straight-jacket formula can be applied where the written statement is not filed within a particular time, so no further opportunity should be granted. If the defendants were negligent in not filing the written statement, some reasonable opportunity should be allowed to them so that the case could be decided on merits.
However, due to uncontrolled circumstances, if the defendant can not file his written statement within the time above, he may submit a written statement along with a delayed application and pray for the condonation of delay for late filing of the written statement. If the defendant failed to explain the reason for the postponement satisfactorily, the Court could reject said application.
In the case of Mohammed Yusuf v. Faij Mohammad and ors (AIR 2009 SC (Supp) 1741), the Supreme Court observed that the Written Statement filed three years beyond the time limit, the application filed by the respondents herein praying for condoning the delay in filing the written statement was rejected. The plaintiff ordered to examine his witnesses – Sufficient reasons recorded in support of the Order held, Interference with the Order by writ Court in the absence of finding that there had been a failure of justice or Order contained an error on the face of the record is improper.[1].
In the case of M/s. Aditya Hotels (P) Ltd v. Bombay Swadeshi Stores Ltd. and Ors(Air 2007 sc 1574), the Supreme Court held that Condonation of Delay in filing a Written Statement since neither the trial Court nor the High Court has indicated any reason to justify the acceptance of the written statement after the expiry of the time fixed, Order allowing filing of the written statement is liable to be set aside.[2].
In the case of Kailash vs. Nanhku and others (AIR 2005 SUPREME COURT 2441 ), the Supreme Court held that the Filing of a Written statement schedule provided by Order 8, Rule. One is a directory. It does not spell out a disability on the defendant and does not impose an embargo on the Court’s power extension of time; however, it is to be granted only for exceptional circumstances.
The provisions of Order. 8, Rule. 1. Fixing the schedule for the filing of the written statement is a directory and not mandatory. The purpose of providing the schedule for filing the written statement under Order. 8, Rule. 1 of CPC is to expedite and not to scuttle the hearing. The provision spells out a disability for the defendant. It does not impose an embargo on the power of the Court Court to extend the time. Though the language of the requirement to Rule. 1 of Order. VIII of the CPC is couched in negative form; it does not specify any penal consequence flowing from non-compliance. The provision, being in the procedural law domain, has to be held in a directory and is not mandatory. The power of the Court to extend the time for filing the written statement beyond the schedule provided by Order. VIII, Rule 1 of the CPC, is partially taken away.[3].
In the case of Om Prakash Gupta vs. Union of India and another (Air 2000 sc 3585), the Supreme Court observed that a Written statement not filed for more than two years held an Order granting further time to party not justified – Application under O. 8, R. 10 to pronounce judgment against defendant allowed. The Court may proceed and dispose of the suit by law.[4].
3. Conclusion :
Indeed, the defendant’s conduct in not filing the written statement has to be understood in the facts of the specific case, and no straight-jacket formula can be used where the written statement is not filed within a particular time to be given only for extraordinary situations. The Court can allow the plaintiff’s application under Order 8, rule 10, and pronounce the judgment against the defendant as per the provisions of the civil procedure code.
Source:
(1) Mohammed Yusuf v. Faij Mohammad and ors (AIR 2009 SC (Supp) 1741).
(2) M/s. Aditya Hotels (P) Ltd v. Bombay Swadeshi Stores Ltd. and Ors(Air 2007 sc 1574).
(3) Kailash Vs. Nanhku and others (AIR 2005 SUPREME COURT 2441).
(4) Om Prakash Gupta vs. Union of India and another (Air 2000 sc 3585).
