3. Denial to be specific.—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.
*[3A. Denial by the defendant in suits before the Commercial Division of the High Court or the Commercial Court.—(1) Denial shall be in the manner provided in sub-rules (2), (3), (4) and (5) of this Rule.
(2) The defendant in his written statement shall state which of the allegations in the particulars of plaint he denies, which allegations he is unable to admit or deny, but which he requires the plaintiff to prove, and which allegations he admits.
(3) Where the defendant denies an allegation of fact in a plaint, he must state his reasons for doing so and if he intends to put forward a different version of events from that given by the plaintiff, he must state his own version.
(4) If the defendant disputes the jurisdiction of the Court he must state the reasons for doing so, and if he is able, give his own statement as to which Court ought to have jurisdiction.
(5) If the defendant disputes the plaintiff’s valuation of the suit, he must state his reasons for doing so, and if he is able, give his own statement of the value of the suit.]
State amendments
Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh (UTs).―
After Rue 3, insert the following Rule, namely,- “3A. Denial by the defendant in suits.—(1) Denial shall be in the manner provided in sub-rules (2), (3), (4) and (5) of this rule.
(2) The defendant in his written statement shall state which of the allegations in the particulars of plaint he denies, which allegations he is unable to admit or deny, but which he requires the plaintiff to prove, and which allegations he admits.
(3) Where the defendant denies an allegation of fact in a plaint, he must state his reasons for doing so and if he intends to put forward a different version of events from that given by the plaintiff, he must state his own version.
(4) If the defendant disputes the jurisdiction of the court he must state the reasons for doing so, and if he is able, give his own statement as to which court ought to have jurisdiction.
(5) If the defendant disputes the plaintiff valuation of the suit, he must state his reasons for doing so, and if he is able, give his own statement of the value of the suit.
[Vide the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Order, 2020, notification No. S.O. 1123(E) dated (18-3-2020) and vide Union Territory of Ladakh Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Order, 2020, Notification No. S.O. 3774(E), dated (23-10-2020)].
Amendment notes
- Ins. by Act 4 of 2016, s. 16 and Sch., Shall be applicable to commercial disputes of a specified value (w.e.f. 23-10-2015).