BHANUMATHI Vs. K R SARVOTHAMAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The question urged for a decision in this petition is whether a document which ought to have been produced along with the plaint or written statement or, original of documents which ought to have been produced on or before the settlement of issues could be produced at a later stage and the court has the power to receive such document in evidence .

(2.) Short facts necessary for a decision of this question are:

(3.) To understand the contention advanced and answer the questions raised, it is necessary to refer to the relevant provisions of the Code as amended in the year 1976 and thereafter. The relevant provisions are Rules 14, 15, 17 and 18 of Order VII, Rules 1 and 8A of Order VIII and Rules 1 and 2 of Order XIII of the Code as amended in the year 1976 and thereafter and Rule 4 of Order XVIII introduced by Amendment Act of 2002. The said provisions read as under: