(1) When a suit has been duly instituted, a summons may be issued to the defendant to appear and answer the claim and to file the written statement of his defence, if any, within thirty days from the date of service of summons on that defendant :
Provided that no such summons shall be issued when a defendant has appeared at the presentation of plaint and admitted the plaintiffs claim:
Provided further that where the defendant fails to file the written statement within the said period of thirty days, he shall be allowed to file the same on such other day as may be specified by the Court, for reasons to be recorded in writing, but which shall not be later than ninety days from the date of service of summons.
Provided further that where the defendant fails to file the written statement within the said period of thirty days, he shall be allowed to file the written statement on such other day, as may be specified by the Court, for reasons to be recorded in writing and on payment of such costs as the Court deems fit, but which shall not be later than one hundred twenty days from the date of service of summons and on expiry of one hundred twenty days from the date of service of summons, the defendant shall forfeit the right to file the written statement and the Court shall not allow the written statement to be taken on record.
(2) A defendant to whom a summons has been issued under sub-rule (1) may appear-
(a) in person, or
(b) by a pleader duly instructed and able to answer all material questions relating to the suit, or
(c) by a pleader accompanied by some person able to answer all such questions.
(3) Every such summons shall be signed by the Judge or such officer as he appoints, and shall be sealed with the seal of the Court.
Order V Rule 2 CPC Copy of plaint annexed to summons
Order V Rule 3 CPC Court may order defendant or plaintiff to appear in person
Order V Rule 4 CPC No party to be ordered to appear in person unless resident within certain limits
Order V Rule 5 CPC Summons to be either to settle issues or for final disposal
Order V Rule 6 CPC Fixing day for appearance of defendant
Order V Rule 7 CPC Summons to order defendant to produce documents relied on by him
Order V Rule 9 CPC Delivery of summons by Court
Order V Rule 9a CPC Summons given to the plaintiff for service