O.VIII R.1 CPC | Filing Written Statement Within Maximum Period Of 90 Days Is Directory Not Mandatory: Jharkhand High Court

In a recent Jharkhand High Court order, it was clarified that the 90-day period for filing a written statement under Order VIII Rule 1 of the CPC is directory rather than mandatory. This decision indicates that the court can extend the deadline for submitting the written statement if justified, rather than enforcing a strict timeframe. This flexibility aims to ensure that parties have sufficient opportunity to present their case while balancing procedural efficiency. The ruling addresses concerns about rigid deadlines potentially prejudicing parties, thus promoting fairer judicial processes.