(1) Each respondent intending to contest the application, shall file in triplicate the reply to the application and the document relied upon with the Registry within one month of the service of notice of the application 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 in his application and may also state such additional facts as may be found necessary for the justification of the case. It 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 (Central Act V of 1908).
(3) The documents referred to in sub-rule (1) shall also be filed alongwith the reply and the same shall be marked.
(4) The respondent shall also serve a copy of the reply alongwith documents as mentioned in sub-rule (1) on the applicant or his legal practitioner, if any, and file proof of such service in the Registry.
(5) The Tribunal may allow filing of the reply after the expiry of the prescribed period.
(6) The Tribunal may permit the parties to amend the pleadings in the same manner as provided under Order VI, Rule 17 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Central Act V of 1908).