Section 12 in The Armed Forces Tribunal (Procedure) Rules, 2008
12. Filing of reply and other documents by the respondents. (1) Each respondent intending to contest the application, shall file in triplicate the reply to the application and the documents relied upon in paper-book form 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 just decision 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 (5 of 1908).(3)The documents referred to in sub-rule (2) shall also be filed along with the reply and the same shall be marked as R1, R2, R3 and so on.(4)The respondent shall also serve a copy of the reply along with documents as mentioned in sub-rule (2) on the applicant or his legal practitioner, if any, and file proof of such service in the Registry. In the case of more than one applicant, a copy of the reply shall be sent to each one of them.(5)The Tribunal may allow filing of the reply after the expiry of the prescribed period with the leave of the Tribunal, or where appropriate order imposition of costs or pass any other order.(6)The Tribunal may permit the parties to amend the pleadings in the same manner as provided under Order 6, rule 17 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908).(7)An officer acquainted with the facts of the case but not below the rank of Commissioned Officer or a Group A' Officer or a Desk Officer in any Ministry or Department of the Union of India may verify the pleadings and other documents to be filed for and on behalf of the Union of India before the Tribunal. ___________(1)Vide S.R.O. 26(E), dated 17th September, 2008, published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Pt. II, Sec. IV, dated 17th September, 2008.
