In Absence Of Defendant's Request, Trial Courts Cannot On Its Own Extend Time For Filing Written Statement After 30 Days: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court recently ruled that a trial court does not have the authority to extend the deadline for filing written statements under Order 8 Rule 1 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) without a formal request. The ruling came after a trial court unilaterally extended the time for a defendant to submit their written statement beyond the permissible limit. The High Court emphasized that any such extension can only occur through proper procedural channels and not through the trial court’s own discretion. This judgment strengthens the importance of adhering to procedural laws to avoid arbitrary judicial actions.