(1.) Is the time limit fixed under Order VIII Rule 1 of the Code of Civil Procedure for filing a written statement, mandatory or directory in character? This is the question we have to answer in this reference, in the context of non commercial suits before the civil courts.
(2.) The learned Single Judge, noting the different views of the Apex Court in its various judgments, opined that which of those judgments of the Apex Court should prevail as a binding precedent has to be answered by a Division Bench.
(3.) We shall refer to the parties with reference to their status in the original suit.