(1)

Each respondent intending to contest the application or appeal, as the case may be, shall file in triplicate the reply to the application or appeal, as the case may be, and the document relied upon in paper book form with the Registry within one month of the service of notice of the application or appeal on him.

(2)

In the reply filed under sub-rule (1), the respondent shall specifically admit, deny or explain the facts stated by the applicant or appellant, as the case may be, in his application or appeal, as the case may be, and may also state such additional facts as may be found necessary for the just decision of the case.

(3)

The reply shall be signed and verified as a written statement by the respondent or any other person duly authorised by him in writing in the same manner as provided for in Order VI, rule 15 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908).

(4)

The documents accompanying reply shall also be filed along with the reply and the same shall be marked as R1, R2, R3 and so on.

(5)

The respondent shall also serve a copy of the reply along with documents as mentioned in sub-rule (1) on the applicant or appellant, as the case may be, or his legal practitioner, if any, and file proof of such service in the Registry.

(6)

The Tribunal may allow filing of the reply after the expiry of the specified period with or without cost.

(7)

The Tribunal may permit the parties to amend the pleadings in the same manner as provided under Order 6, Rule 17 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908).