Code de procédure civile, Sri Lanka, WIPO Lex

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Anglais Civil Procedure Code

CIVIL PROCEDURE CODE

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CIVIL PROCEDURE CODE

AN ORDINANCE TO CONSOLIDATE AND AMEND THE LAW RELATING TO THE PROCEDURE OF THE CIVIL COURTS.

Ordinance Nos, 12 of 1895 23 of 1901 12 of 1904 14 of 1907 31 of 1909 9 of 1917 39 of 1921 42 of 1921 21 of 1927 23 of 1927 25 of 1927 15 of 1930 26 of 1930 4 of 1940 18 of 1944 39 of 1945

Law Nos, 12 of 1973 44 of 1973 25 of 1975 19 of 1977 20 of 1977

Act Nos, 7 of 1949 43 of 1949 20 of 1954 48 of 1954 32 of 1957 49 of 1958 3 of 1960 24 of 1961 5 of 1964 23 of 1969 24 of 1969 53 of 1980 79 of 1988 2 of 1990 6 of 1990 9 of 1991 6 of 1993 14 of 1993 11 of 1995 12 of 1996 14 of 1997 38 of 1998 34 of 2000 20 of 2002 4 of 2005

[1^st August , 1890 ]

CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY Short title.

1. This Ordinance may be cited as the Civil Procedure Code.

Where no provision is made special directions to be given by Court of Appeal.

Interpretation.

[2,20 of 1977]

[2,79 of 1988]

[2,20 of 1977]

[2,20 of 1977] [2,20 of 1977] [2,20 of 1977]

In every case in which no provision is made by this Ordinance, the procedure and practice hitherto in force shall be followed, and if any matter of procedure or practice for which no provision is made by this Ordinance or by any law for the time being in force shall after this Ordinance comes into operation arise before any court, such court shall thereupon make application to the Court of Appeal for, and the Court of Appeal shall and is hereby required to give, such special orders and directions thereupon as the justice of the case shall require : Provided always that nothing in this Ordinance contained shall be held in any way to affect or modify any special rules of procedure which, under or by virtue of the provisions of any enactment, may have from time to time been laid down or prescribed to be followed by any civil court in Sri Lanka in the conduct of any action, matter, or thing of which any such court
can lawfully take cognizance, except in so far as any such provisions are by this Ordinance expressly repealed or modified.

The following words and expressions in this Ordinance shall have the meanings hereby assigned to them, unless there is something in the subject or context repugnant thereto; "action" is a proceeding for the prevention or redress of a wrong; "Attorney-General" includes the Solicitor-General, the Additional Solicitor-General and any State Counsel specially authorized by the Attorney-General to represent the Attorney- General; "cause of action" is the wrong for the prevention or redress of which an action may be brought, and includes the denial of a right, the refusal to fulfill an obligation, the neglect to perform a duty and the infliction of an affirmative injury; "civil court" means a court in which civil actions may be brought; "counsel" means an attorney-at-law instructed by a registered attorney; "court" means a Judge empowered by law to act judicially alone, or a body of Judges empowered by law to act judicially as a body, when such Judge or body of Judges is acting judicially; "decree" means the formal expression of an adjudication upon any right claimed or defence set up in a civil court, when such adjudication, so far as regards the court expressing it,

decides the action or appeal; (An order rejecting a plaint is a decree within this definition.) "Fiscal" includes a Deputy Fiscal "foreign court" means a court situate beyond the limits of, and not having authority in, Sri

Lanka; "foreign judgment" means the judgment of a foreign court; "Judge" means the presiding officer of a court and includes Judges of the Supreme Court and of the Court of Appeal, District Judges, Judges of Family Courts and Judges of Primary Courts; "judgment" means the statement given by the Judge of the grounds of a decree or order; "judgment-creditor" and " decree-holder " mean any person in whose favor a decree or order capable of execution has been made, and include any transferee of such decree or order; "judgment-debtor" means any person against whom a decree or order capable of execution has been made; "legal document" includes all processes, pleadings, petitions, affidavits, notices, motions and other documents, proceedings, and written communications; "order" means the formal expression of any decision of a civil court which is not a decree; "original court " includes District Courts, Family Courts and Primary Courts; "Public Trustee" means the Public Trustee of Sri Lanka appointed under the Public Trustee Ordinance and includes a Deputy Public Trustee or any other state officer generally or specially authorized by the Public Trustee to act on his behalf; "recognized agent" includes the persons designated under that name in section 25 and no others; " registered attorney " means an attorney-at-law appointed under Chapter V by a party or his recognized agent to act on his behalf; "Registrar" in relation to a court - includes an Additional, Deputy or Assistant Registrar; "signed" includes "marked" when the person making the mark is unable to write; "the Island" and "this Island" means respectively the Island of Sri lanka; "written" and "writing" include "printed" and "print" and "lithographed" and "lithograph" respectively.

PART I Action.

Procedure of an action.

Procedure of action to be ordinarily regular.

[2,53 of 1980]

Institution of actions: in what court.

When one of two or more courts may entertain an action.

Of application for withdrawal and transfer of action.

[3,20 1977]

OF ACTIONS IN GENERAL

CHAPTER II

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Every application to a court for relief or remedy obtainable through the exercise of the court's power or authority, or otherwise to invite its interference, constitutes an action.
The procedure of an action may be either " regular " or " summary ".

Illustrations In actions of which the procedure is regular, the person against whom the application is made is called upon to formally state his answer to the case which is alleged against him in the application before any question of fact is entertained by the court, or its discretion thereon is in any degree exercised. In actions of which the procedure is summary, the applicant simultaneously with preferring his application supports with proper evidence the statement of fact made therein; and if the court in its discretion considers that a prima facie case is thus made out

(a): either the order sought is immediately passed against the defendant before he has been afforded an opportunity of opposing it, but subject to the expressed qualification that it will only lake effect in the event of his not showing any good cause against it on a day appointed therein for the purpose;
(b): or a day is appointed by the court for entertaining the matter of the application on the evidence furnished, and notice is given to the defendant that he will be heard in opposition to it on that day if he thinks proper to come before the court for that purpose.

8. Save and except actions in which it is by this Ordinance or any other law specially

provided that proceedings may be taken by way of summary procedure, every action shall commence and proceed by a course of regular procedure, as hereinafter prescribed.

CHAPTER III OF THE COURT OF INSTITUTION OF ACTION

9. Subject to the pecuniary or other limitations prescribed by any law, action shall be instituted in the court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction

(a): a party defendant resides; or
(b): the land in respect of which the action is brought lies or is situate in whole or in part; or
(c): the cause of action arises; or
(d): the contract sought to be enforced was made.

When it is alleged to be uncertain within the local limits of the jurisdiction of which of two or more courts any immovable property is situate, any one of those courts may, if satisfied that there is ground for the alleged uncertainty, record a statement to that effect, and thereupon proceed to entertain and dispose of any action relating to that property; and its decree in the action shall have the same effect as if the property were situate within the local limits of its jurisdiction: Provided that the action is one with respect to which the court is competent as regards the nature and value of the action to exercise jurisdiction.

10. Any of the parties to an action which is pending in any original court may, before trial, and after notice in writing to the other parties of his intention so to do, apply to the Court of Appeal by motion, which shall be supported by affidavit setting out the grounds on which it is based, for the withdrawal of such action from the court in which it is pending and for the transfer of it for trial to any other court competent to try the same in respect of its nature and the amount or value of its subject-matter. And the Court of Appeal may, on any such

application after hearing such of the parties as desire to be heard, and on being satisfied that such withdrawal and transfer are desirable for any of the following reasons; Stamp duty.

Plaintiffs.

Where joint tenants or tenants in common.

Substituted and added plaintiffs.

Defendants.

Substitution where person against whom a right to any relief is alleged to exist dies and the right to sue for relief survives.

[2,6 of 1990]

(a): that a fair and impartial trial cannot be had in any particular court or place; or
(b): that some question of law of unusual difficulty is likely to arise; or
(c): that it is expedient on any other ground,

Withdraw any such action pending in any such court, and transfer it for trial to any other such court as aforesaid, upon any terms that the Court of Appeal shall think fit. When the action might have been instituted in any one of several courts, the balance of convenience only shall be deemed sufficient cause for such withdrawal and transfer to one of the alternative courts. In no case in which any action is so transferred as aforesaid from one court to another shall any stamp fee be leviable in the court to which the action is transferred on any pleading or exhibit on which the proper stamp fee has been paid in the court from which the action is so transferred.

CHAPTER IV

OF PARTIES AND THEIR APPEARANCES, APPLICATIONS, AND ACTS

All persons may be joined as plaintiffs in whom the right to any relief claimed is alleged to exist, whether jointly, severally, or in the alternative, in respect of the same cause of action. And judgment may be given for such one or more of the plaintiffs as may be found to be entitled to relief for such relief as he or they may be entitled to, without any amendment of the plaint for that purpose. But the defendant though unsuccessful, shall be entitled to his
costs occasioned by so joining any person who is not found entitled to relief, unless the court in disposing of the costs of the action otherwise directs.

Where two or more persons are entitled to the possession of immovable property as joint tenants or tenants in common, one or more of them may maintain an action in respect of
his or their undivided shares in the property in any case where such an action might be maintained by all.

Where an action has been instituted in the name of the wrong person as plaintiff, or where it is doubtful whether it has been instituted in the name of the right plaintiff, the court may at any stage of the action, if satisfied that the action has been so commenced through a bona fide mistake, and that it is necessary for the determination of the real matter in dispute
so to do, order any other person or persons, with his or their consent, to be substituted or added as plaintiff or plaintiffs, upon such terms as the court thinks just.

All persons may be joined as defendants against whom the right to any relief is alleged to exist, whether jointly, severally, or in the alternative, in respect of the same cause of action. And judgment may be given against such one or more of the defendants as may be

found to be liable, according to their respective liabilities, without any amendment. 14A.

(1) Where a person against whom the right to any relief is alleged to exist is dead and the right to sue for such relief survives, the person in whom such right is alleged to exist, may make an application by way of summary procedure supported by affidavit to the court in which an action for the same may be instituted, in the following manner:

(a): Where such person has died intestate leaving an estate, specifying the name, description, and place of abode of any person whom he alleges to be the legal representative, as defined in section 394 (2), of the deceased and whom he desires to be made the defendant in the proposed action in place of the deceased. Such application shall also specify the name, description, and place of abode of the person or persons whom the applicant alleges to be the other heir or heirs of the deceased; or
(b): Where probate of the will or letters of administration to the estate of the deceased has not been issued or its issue is likely to be unduly delayed, specifying, the name, description, and place of abode of any person whom he alleges to be the person to

whom probate of the will or letters of administration to the estate of the deceased would ordinarily be issued and whom he desires to be made the defendant in the proposed action in place of the deceased. Such application shall also specify the name, description, and place of abode of the person or persons whom the applicant alleged to be the heir or heirs of the deceased.

(2): Upon receipt of an application under paragraph (a) of subsection (1), and the court where it is satisfied that there are grounds therefor, and, after the issue of notice on the representative named in such application and such other persons, if any, and after causing notice of such application, (in the form No.2A in the First Schedule) to be advertised in a local newspaper to be selected by the court, or by such other mode of advertisement in lieu of such publication as to the court seems sufficient, and after such inquiry as the court may consider necessary and upon such terms as it thinks fit, the court may order that such representative or such other person as the court may consider fit be appointed in place of the deceased, for the institution of such action: Provided, that the person to be so appointed in place of the deceased may object that he is not the legal representative of the deceased or that he should not be appointed in place of the deceased.
(3): Upon receipt of an application under paragraph (b) of subsection (1), the court may, where it is satisfied that probate of the will or letters of administration to the estate of the deceased has not been issued or is likely to be unduly delayed, and, after the issue of notice on the person alleged in such application to be the person to whom probate of the will or letters of administration to the estate of the deceased would ordinarily be issued and such other persons, if any, causing notice of such application, (in the form No. 2A in the First Schedule) to be advertised in a local newspaper to be selected by the court or by some other mode of advertisement in lieu of such publication as to the court seems sufficient, and after such inquiry as the court may consider necessary and upon such terms as it thinks fit, order that the person, who appears to the court to be the person to whom probate of the will or letters of administration to the estate of the deceased would ordinarily be issued, be appointed in place of the deceased, for the institution of such action: Provided, that the person to be so appointed may object that he is not the person to whom probate of the will or letters of administration to the estate of the deceased would ordinarily be issued or that he should not be appointed in place of the deceased.
(5): Where after an order appointing a representative in place of the deceased has been made under subsection (2) or subsection (3) and an action instituted against such person in place of such deceased, an executor of the will, or an administrator of the estate, as the case may be, of such deceased, is appointed in proceedings instituted under Chapter XXXVIII of this Code, such executor or administrator shall, on the application by way of summary procedure, supported by affidavit, made by the plaintiff or any other party to such action or by such executor or administrator, be substituted in place of the person appointed under subsection (2) or subsection (3), and the action shall thereupon proceed in the same manner as if such executor or administrator had originally been made a defendant, and had been a party to the previous proceedings in the action.

Who may be 15. The plaintiff may, at his option, join as parties to the same action all or any of the joined as parties defendant.

Where numerous parties, one may sure or defend for all. Notice.

Misjoinder not to defeat action.

Parties improperly joined may be struck out.

Intervention not otherwise allowed.

Except in under section 16.

Conduct of the action. Amendment of plaint.

Objections for non-joinder or misjoinder to be taken before hearing.

persons severally, or jointly and severally, liable on any one contract, including parties to bills of exchange and promissory notes.

16. Where there are numerous parties having a common interest in bringing or defending an

action, one or more of such parties may, with the permission of the defend for all. court, sue or be sued, or may defend in such an action on behalf of all parties so interested.

But the court shall in such case give, at the expense of the party applying so to sue or defend, notice of the institution of the action to all such parties, either by personal service or (if from the number of parties or any other cause such service is not reasonably practicable, then) by public advertisement, as the court in each case may direct.

17. No action shall be defeated by reason of the misjoinder or non-joinder of parties, and the court may in every action deal with the matter in controversy so far as regards the rights and interests of the parties actually before it. Nothing in this Ordinance shall be deemed to enable plaintiffs to join in respect of distinct causes of action.

If the consent of anyone who ought to be joined as a plaintiff cannot be obtained, he may be made a defendant, the reasons therefor being stated in the plaint.

18.

Addition of (1) The court may on or before the hearing, upon the application of either

parties. party, and on such terms as the court thinks just, order that the name of any party, whether as plaintiff or as defendant improperly joined, be struck out; and the court may at any time, either upon or without such application, and on such terms as the court thinks just, order that any plaintiff be made a defendant, or that any defendant be made a plaintiff, and that the name of any person who ought to have been joined, whether as plaintiff or defendant, or whose presence before the court may be necessary in order to enable the court effectually and completely to adjudicate upon and settle all the questions involved in that action, be added.

(2) Every order for such amendment or for alteration of parties shall state the facts and reasons which together form the ground on which the order is made. And in the case of a party being added, the added party or parties shall be named, with the designation " added party ", in all pleadings or processes or papers entitled in the action and made after the date of the order.

No person shall be allowed to intervene in a pending action otherwise than in pursuance of, and in conformity with, the provisions of the last preceding section. And no person shall be added as plaintiff, or as the next friend of a plaintiff, without his own consent thereto; Provided however that any person on cases whose behalf an action is instituted or under section defended may apply to the 16. court to be made a party, and all parties whose names are so added as defendants shall be served with a summons in manner hereinafter
mentioned, and the proceedings as against them shall be deemed to have begun only on the service of such summons.

The court may give the conduct of the action to such plaintiff as it deems action proper.

Where a defendant is added, the plaint shall, unless the court direct otherwise, be
amended in such manner as may be necessary, and a copy of the amended plaint shall be served on the new defendant and on the original defendants.

All objections for want of parties, or for joinder of parties who have no interest in the action, or for misjoinder as co- plaintiffs or co-defendants, shall be taken at the earliest

possible opportunity, and in all cases before the hearing. And any such objection not so taken shall be deemed to have been waived by the defendant.

Plaintiffs (or 23. When there are more plaintiffs than one, any one or more of them may be authorized by defendants) may any other of them to appear, plead, or act for such other in any proceeding under this authorize one of Ordinance; and in like manner, when there are more defendants than one, any one or more them to act for of them may be authorized by any other of them to appear, plead, or act for such other in any them.

such proceeding. The authority shall be in writing signed by the party giving it, and shall be filed in court.

CHAPTER V OF RECOGNIZED AGENTS AND ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW

Appearances may be by party in person, his recognized agent, or attorney-at-law.

Recognized agents.

Processes served on the recognized agent, effectual.

Appointment of registered attorney.

Death or incapacity Of registered attorney.

Any appearance, application, or act in or to any court, required or authorized by law to be made or done by a party to an action or appeal in such court, except only such appearances, applications, or acts as by any law for the time being in force only attorneys-atlaw are authorized to make or do, and except when by any such law otherwise expressly provided, may be made or done by the party in person, or by his recognized agent, or by an attorney-at-law duly appointed by the party or such agent to act on behalf of such party : Provided that any such appearance shall be made by the party in person, if the court so
directs. An attorney-at-law instructed by a registered attorney for this purpose, represents the registered attorney in court.

The recognized agents of parties by whom such appearances and applications may be made or acts may be done are

the Attorney-General, on behalf of the State in respect of any court; who is also authorized to depute his power of appointing a registered attorney on behalf of the State in respect to any court to any person by a written document to be signed by the Attorney-General, and to be filed in that court;
persons holding general powers of attorney from parties not resident within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the court within which limits the appearance or application is made or act done, authorizing them to make such appearances and applications, and do such acts on behalf of such parties; which power, or a copy thereof certified by an attorney-at-law or notary, shall in each case be filed in the court;

[4,20 of 1977] (c) persons carrying on trade or business for and in the names of parties not resident within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the court within which limits the appearance or application is made or act done, in matters connected with such trade or business only, where no other agent is expressly authorized to make such appearances and applications and do such acts.

26.

(1): Processes served on the recognized agent of a party to an action or appeal shall be as effectual as if the same had been served on the party in person, unless the court otherwise directs.
(2): The provisions of this Ordinance for the service of process on a party to an action shall apply to the service of process on his recognized agent.

27.

(1): The appointment of a registered attorney to make any appearance or application, or do any act as aforesaid, shall be in writing signed by the client, and shall be filed in court; and every such appointment shall contain an address at which service of any process which under the provisions of this Chapter may be served on a registered attorney, instead of the party whom he represents, may be made.
(2): When so filed, it shall be in force until revoked with the leave of the court and after notice to the registered attorney by a writing signed by the client and filed in court, or until the client dies, or until the registered attorney dies, is removed, or suspended, or otherwise becomes incapable to act, or until all proceedings in the action are ended and judgment satisfied so far as regards the client.
(3): No counsel shall be required to present any document empowering him to act. The Attorney-General may appoint a registered attorney to act specially in any particular case or to act generally on behalf of the State.

28. If any such registered attorney as in the last preceding section is mentioned shall die, or be removed or suspended, or otherwise become incapable to act as aforesaid, at any time before judgment, no further proceeding shall be taken in the action against the party for

whom he appeared until thirty days after notice to appoint another registered attorney has been given to that party either personally or in such other manner as the court directs.

Service on registered attorney.

Agent to accept service.

Agent to accept service in action upon mortgage of immovable property.

[2,12 of 1973]

Regular action how to be framed.

Every action shall include whole claim.

Joinder of claims in actions for immovable

Any process served on the registered attorney of any party or left at the office or ordinary residence of such registered attorney, relative to an action or appeal, except where the same is for the personal appearance of the party, shall be presumed to be duly communicated and made known to the party whom the registered attorney represents; and,
unless the court otherwise directs, shall be as effectual for all purposes in relation to the action or appeal as if the same had been given to, or served on, the party in person.

Besides the recognized agents described in section 25, any person residing within the jurisdiction of the court may be appointed an agent to accept service of process. Such appointment may be special or general, and shall be made by an instrument in writing signed by the principal, which shall contain an address at which such service may be made, and which, or, if the appointment be general, a duly attested copy thereof, shall be filed in court. No appointment under this section shall be of any force or effect for the purpose of enabling or authorizing process to be served on an agent so appointed in any action to recover money

due upon the mortgage of immovable property. 30A.

(1): The mortgagor of any immovable property may make application for the registration of the address of any registered attorney or any person for the service of process in any action upon the mortgage. The application shall be made substantially in the form No. 11A in the First Schedule.
(2): The address for service shall be registered in or in continuation of the folio in which is registered the mortgage of the immovable property.
(3): Where the applicant declares in his application that a previously registered address is cancelled, the Registrar shall make a new entry in the register and cancel the registration of the previous address.
(4): The fee for registration of the address for service or for a change of such address shall be fifty cents, with an addition of ten cents for each folio after the first in which the address is to be registered.

[Sections 31 and 32 repealed by Law No. 20 of 1977]

CHAPTER VI OF THE SCOPE AND SUBJECT OF ACTION

33. Every regular action shall, as far as Regular action, practicable, be so framed as to

afford how to be ground for a final decision upon the subjects framed, in dispute, and so to prevent further litigation concerning them,

34.

(1): Every action shall include the Every action whole of the claim which the plaintiff is shall include entitled to make in respect of the cause of w _e c aim-action; but a plaintiff may relinquish any portion of his claim in order to bring the action within the jurisdiction of any court.
(2): If a plaintiff omits to sue in respect of, or intentionally relinquishes any portion of, his claim, he shall not afterwards sue in respect of the portion so omitted or relinquished. A person entitled to more than one remedy in respect of the same cause of action may sue for all or any of his remedies; but if he omits (except with the leave of the court obtained before the hearing) to sue for any of such remedies, he shall not afterwards sue for the remedy so omitted.
(3): For the purpose of this section, an obligation and a collateral security for its performance shall be deemed to constitute but one cause of action.

Illustration A lets a house to B at a yearly rent of Rs. 1000. The rent for the whole of the two years 1886 and 1887 is due and unpaid. A sues B only for the rent due for one of those years. A shall not afterwards sue B for the rent due for the other year.

35.

(1) In an action for the recovery of immovable property, or to obtain a declaration of title to immovable property, no other claim, or any cause of property.

In other cases.

Application by defendant in such cases.

Order of court thereon.

action, shall be made unless with the leave of the court, except
(a) claims in respect of mesne profits or arrears of rent in respect
of the property claimed;
(b) damages for breach of any contract under which the property
or any part thereof is held; or consequential on the trespass which
constitutes the cause of action; and
(c) claims by a mortgagee to enforce any of his remedies under
the mortgage. Example. A sues B to recover land upon the
allegation that the land belongs to C, and that he. A, has bought it
of C. A makes C a party defendant; but he cannot, without leave
of the court, join with this claim an alternative claim for damages
against C for non-performance of his contract of sale.
In actions	(2) No claim by or against an executor, administrator, or heir, as such, shall in
against	any action be joined with claims by or against him personally unless the last-
executors, &	mentioned claims are alleged to arise with reference to the estate in respect
c.	of which the plaintiff or defendant sues or is sued as executor, administrator,
	or heir, or are such as he was entitled to or liable for jointly with the deceased
	person whom be represents.
36.
	(1) Subject to the rules contained in the last section, the plaintiff may unite in
	the same action several causes of action against the same defendant or the
	same defendants jointly, and any plaintiffs having causes of action in which
	they are jointly interested against the same defendant or defendants may unite
	such causes of action in the same action.
Exception:	But if it appears to the court that an such causes of action cannot be
court may	conveniently tried or disposed of together, the court may, at any time before
order	the hearing, of its own motion or on the application of any defendant, in both
separation.	cases either in the presence of, or upon notice to, the plaintiff, or at any
	subsequent stage of the action if the parties agree, order separate trials of
	any such causes of action to be had, or make such other order as may be
	necessary or expedient for the separate disposal thereof.
	(2) When causes of action are united, the jurisdiction of the court as regards
	the action shall depend on the amount or value of the aggregate subject-
	matter at the date of instituting the action, whether or not an order has been
	made under the second paragraph of subsection (1).

37. Any defendant alleging that the plaintiff has united in the same action several causes of action, which cannot be conveniently disposed of in one action, may at any time before the

hearing apply to the court for an order confining the action to such of the causes of action as may be conveniently disposed of in one action.

38.

(1): If, on the hearing of such application, it appears to the court that the causes of action are such as cannot all be conveniently disposed of in one action, the court may order any of such causes of action to be excluded, and may direct the plaint to be amended accordingly, and may make such order as to costs as may be just.
(2): Every amendment made under this section shall be attested by the signature of the Judge.

CHAPTER VII OF THE MODE OF INSTITUTION OF ACTION

Regular action to

39. Every action of regular procedure shall be instituted by presenting a duly stamped

commence by

written plaint to the court, or to such officer as the court shall appoint in that behalf. The plaint

plaint.

shall be accompanied by such number of summonses in Form No, 16 in the First Schedule

[6,20 of 1977]

as there are defendants, and a precept in Form" No. 17 of the said Schedule.

[3,79 of 1988]

Requisites of Plaint [7,20 of 1977]

Land sued for to be described by metes and bounds or sketch.

Plaintiff suing in a representative character must show that the character has accrued to him.

Plaint must show defendant's interest and liability to be sued. Exemption from bar from lapse of time to be shown.

Jurisdiction of court to be averred. Subscription of plaint

40. The plaint shall be distinctly written upon good and suitable paper, and shall plaint contain the following particulars.

(a): the name of the court and date of filing the plaint;
(b): the name, description, and place of residence of the plaintiff;
(c): the name, description, and the place of residence of the defendant so far as the same can be ascertained;
(d): a plain and concise statement of the circumstances constituting each cause of action, and where and when it arose. Such statement shall be set forth in duly numbered paragraphs; and where two or more causes of action are set out, the statement of the circumstances constituting each cause of action must be separate, and numbered;
(e): a demand of the relief which the plaintiff claims; and
(f): if the plaintiff has allowed a set-off or relinquished a portion of his claim, the amount so allowed or relinquished,

If the plaintiff seeks the recovery of money, the plaint must state the precise amount, so far as the case admits. In an action for a specific chattel, or to establish, recover, or enforce any right, status, or privilege, or for mesne profits, or for the amount which will be found due to the plaintiff on taking unsettled accounts between him and the defendant, the plaint need only state approximately the value of the chattel, right, status, or privilege, or the amount sued for.

When the claim made in the action is for some specific portion of land, or for some snare or interest in a specific portion of land, then the portion of land must be described in
the plaint so far as possible by reference to physical metes and bounds, or by reference to a sufficient sketch, map, or plan to be appended to the plaint, and not by name only.

When the plaintiff sues in a representative character, the plaint should show, not only

that he has an actual existing interest in the subject-matter, but that he has taken the steps necessary to enable him to institute an action concerning it.

Illustrations

(a): A sues as B's executor. The plaint must state that A has proved B's will.
(b): A sues as C's administrator- The plaint must state that A has taken out administration to C's estate.

The plaint must show that the defendant is or claims to be interested in the subject-matter, and that he is liable to be called upon to answer the plaintiffs demand.

If the cause of action arose beyond the period ordinarily allowed by any law for
instituting the action, the plaint must show the ground upon which exemption from such law is claimed.

Every plaint shall contain a statement of facts setting out the jurisdiction of the court to try arid determine the claim in respect of which the action is brought.

46.

(1) Every plaint presented by a registered attorney on behalf of a plaintiff shall be subscribed by such registered attorney. In every other case in which a plaint is presented, it shall be subscribed by the plaintiff; and his signature shall be verified by the signature of some officer authorized by the court in that behalf.

Court may (2) Before the plaint (whether presented by the plaintiff or by a registered refuse to attorney in his behalf) is allowed to be filed, the court may, if in its discretion it entertain shall think fit, refuse to entertain the same for any of the following reasons, plaint. namely:

(a): if it does not state correctly, and without prolixity, the several particulars hereinbefore required to be specified therein;
(b): if it contains any particulars other than those so required;

Where plaint presented to wrong court.

Order on rejection of plaint.

Memorandum of documents to be endorsed on plaint.

[8,20 of 1977]

Plaintiff to

(c): if it is not subscribed, or subscribed and verified, as the case may be, as hereinbefore required;
(d): if it does not disclose a cause of action;
(e): if it is not framed in accordance with section 33;
(f): if it is wrongly framed by reason of non-joinder or misjoinder of parties, or because the plaintiff has joined causes of action which ought not to be joined in the same action;

and may return the same for amendment then and there, or within such time as may be fixed by the court, upon such terms as to the payment of costs occasioned by the amendment as the court thinks fit; Provided that no amendment shall be allowed which would have the effect of converting an action of one character into an action of another and inconsistent character;

And may And provided further, that in each of the following cases, namely:

reject. (g) Where the relief sought is undervalued, and the plaintiff, on being required by the court to correct the valuation within a time to be fixed by the court, fails to do so;

(h): Where the relief sought is properly valued, but the plaint is written upon paper insufficiently stamped, and the plaintiff on being required by the court to supply the requisite stamps within a time to be fixed by the court fails to do so;
(i): When the action appears from the statement in the plaint to be barred by any positive rule of law;

[4,79 of (j) When the plaint having been returned for amendment within a 1988]

time fixed by the court is not amended within such time,

[4,79 of (k) When the plaint is not accompanied by such number of 1988]

summonses as there are defendants,

the plaint shall be rejected; but such rejection shall not of its own force preclude the plaintiff from presenting a fresh plaint in respect of the same cause of action.

In every case where an action has been instituted in a court not having jurisdiction by reason of the amount or value involved, or by reason of the conditions made necessary to the
institution of an action in any particular court by section 9 not being present, the plaint shall be returned to be presented to the proper court.

Every order returning or rejecting a plaint shall specify the date when the plaint was presented and so returned or rejected, the name of the person by whom it was presented and whether such person was plaintiff or registered attorney, and the fault or defect

constituting the ground of return or rejection; and every such order shall be in writing signed by the Judge, and filed of record.

49.

(1): The plaintiff shall endorse on the plaint, or annex thereto, a memorandum of the documents, if any, which he has produced along with it; and if the plaint is admitted, shall present as many copies on unstamped paper of the plaint as there are defendants, translated into the language of each defendant whose language is not the language of the court; unless the court, by reason of the length of the plaint or the number of the defendants or for any other sufficient reason, permits him to present a like number of concise statements of the nature of the claim made, or of the relief or remedy required in the action, in which case he shall present such statements.
(2): If the plaintiff sues or the defendant or any of the defendants is sued in a representative capacity, such statement shall show in what capacity such plaintiff or defendant sues or is sued; and the plaintiff may by leave of the court amend such statements so as to make them correspond with the plaint. Such memorandum and copies or statements shall be examined by the Registrar of the court and signed by him if he finds them correct.

50. If a plaintiff sues upon a document in his possession or power, he shall produce it in

produce with plaint document sued on. To annex list of other documents.

And to state where document not in his possession is. Action on lost negotiable instrument.

Document not produced with plaint inadmissible afterwards without leave.

[9,20 of 1977]

Summons.

[10,20 of 1977]

[2,14 of 1997]

court when the plaint is presented, and document sued shall at the same time deliver the document on or a copy thereof to be filed with the plaint.

If he relies on any other documents (whether in his possession or power or not) as
evidence in support of his claim, he shall enter such documents in a list to be added or annexed to the plaint.

In the case of any such document not being in his possession or power, he shall, if possible, state in whose possession or power it is.

In the case of any action founded upon a bill of exchange, promissory note, cheque, or any negotiable instrument, if it be proved that the instrument is lost, and if an indemnity be given by the plaintiff, to the satisfaction of the court, against the claims of any other person upon such instrument, the court may make such decree as it would have made if the plaintiff
had produced the instrument in court when the plaint was presented, and had at the same time delivered a copy of the instrument to be filed with the plaint.

A document which ought to be produced in court by the plaintiff when the plaint is presented, or to be entered in the list to be added or annexed to the plaint, and which is not

produced or entered accordingly, shall not, without the leave of the court, be received in evidence on his behalf at the hearing of the action.

CHAPTER VIII OF THE ISSUE AND SERVICE OF SUMMONS

55.

(1): Upon the plaint being filed and the copies of concise statements required by section 49 presented, the court shall order summons in the form No. 16 in the First Schedule to issue, signed by the Registrar of the court, requiring the defendant to answer the plaint on or before a day to be specified in the summons, such day, being a day not later than three months from the date of the institution of the action in court.

[Sections 56,57 and 58 is repealed by Law No. 20 of 1977]

SERVICE

Service of

59.

summons to be by registered post.

[3,14 of 1997]

(1): Summons shall ordinarily be served by registered post.
(3): In every case in which the summons are sent by registered post to a person other than the defendant, the court shall also forward a duplicate of such summons, and it shall be the duty of the head of department, employer or officer, as the case may be, to return such duplicate to the court forthwith with an acknowledgment of the summons by the defendant or with a statement of the service endorsed thereon and signed by the person effecting the service and countersigned by the person to whom the summons had been forwarded by court if he has not himself effected the service.
(4): Where a defendant appears in court in person on summons being served on him in the manner referred to above, he shall produce his national identity card or a valid passport, as the case may be, and it shall be the duty of the Judge to satisfy himself that the person who has appeared before him and the person on whom summons have been served in the manner aforesaid, is one and the same person.
(5): Where a defendant is represented by a registered attorney, the attorney shall in the proxy tendered on behalf of the defendant, state the number of the identity card or the passport, as the case may be, of the defendant and shall also make an endorsement thereon certifying the identity of such defendant, where a proxy is tendered on behalf of a company or a body corporate it shall be tendered under the seal of such company or the body corporate, as the case may be.

"national identity card" when used with reference to any person, means the identity card issued to such person under the Registration of Persons Act, No.

32 of 1968.

Personal service. _{₆₀_.}

[3,14 of 1997]

(1): The court shall, where it is reported that summons could not be effected by registered post or where the summons having been served and the defendant fails to appear, direct that such summons be served personally on the defendant by delivering or tendering to him the said summons through the Fiscal or the Grama Niladhari within whose division the defendant resides or in any case where the plaintiff is a lending institution within the meaning of the Debt Recovery (Special Provisions) Act, No. 2 of 1990, through the Fiscal or other officer authorized by court, accompanied by a precept in form No. 17 of the First Schedule. In the case of a corporation summons may be served personally by delivering or tendering it to the secretary or like officer or a director or the person in charge of the principal place of business of such corporation.
(2): If the service referred to in the preceding provisions of this section cannot by the exercise of due diligence be effected, the Fiscal or Grama Niladhari shall affix the summons to some conspicuous part of the house in which the defendant ordinarily resides or in the case of a corporation or unincorporated body, to the usual place of business or office of such corporation or such body and in every such case the summon shall be deemed to have been duly served on the defendant.

Proof of service. [3,14 of 1997]

Substituted

service.

[12,20 of 1977]

[4,14 of 1997]

When more defendants than one, service on each. Agents to accept service; partners and manager.

Service on agent in mortgage action. When defendant out of jurisdiction has manager within it.

When a summons is served by registered post, the advice of delivery issued under the Inland Post Rules, and the endorsement of service, if any, and where the summons is served in any other manner, and affidavit of such service shall be sufficient evidence of the service of the summons and of the date of such service, and shall be admissible in evidence and the
statements contained therein shall be deemed to be correct unless and until the contrary is proved.

Whenever service is substituted by order of the court, the court shall fix a day, not being a day later than three months from the day on which the defendant was earlier required to
answer the plaint, on or before which the defendant shall file his answer and comply with the other requirements of section 55.

When there are more defendants when more than one, service of the summons shall be defendants made on each defendant.

When a defendant has an appointed under section 30 empowered to accept service, service of summons on such agent shall be sufficient. And in the case of an action against partners relative to a partnership transaction, or to an actionable wrong in respect of which relief is claimable from the partners, as a firm, each partner is an agent so empowered of each other partner, as is also the person (if any) not being a partner, who has the management of the business of the partnership at the principal place of such business within the local limits of the court's ordinary jurisdiction. Nothing in the preceding provisions of this section shall be deemed to authorize summons in an action to recover moneys due on a mortgage of immovable property to be served on any
agent appointed under section 30. 64A. Where the mortgagor has registered the address of an agent under section 30A, service of summons may be made on such agent and shall be sufficient.

In an action relating to any business or work against a person who does not reside within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the court from which the summons issued, service on any manager or agent who at the time of the service personally carries on such business

or work for such person within such limits shall be deemed good service; and for the purpose of this section the master of a ship is the agent of his owner or charterer.

Service on agent

66. In an action to obtain relief respecting or compensation for wrong to immovable

in charge of

property, if the service cannot be made on the defendant in person, and the defendant has

immovable

no agent empowered to accept service, it may be made on any agent of the defendant in

property.

Misdescription not to vitiate summons, & c.

Service on defendant in jail.

Service out of Sri Lanka. Application for, how made.

Order granting leave for service of summons out of Sri Lanka.

[6,79 of 1988]

Form of summons.

[§14,20 of

1977] Judgment against defendant if he admits claim of the plaintiff.

[15,20 of 1977] Answer to be in writing.

[15,20 of 1977]

Requisites of answer.

[17,20 of 1977]

charge of the property.

No misnomer or misdescription of any person or place in any such summons, order, or process shall vitiate the same, provided that the person or place be therein described as he
or it is commonly known, and provided that such misnomer or misdescription be not such as to mislead the party served therewith.

If the defendant be in jail, the summons shall be delivered by the Fiscal to the officer in charge of the jail in which the defendant is confined, and such officer shall cause the summons to be served upon the defendant.
The summons shall be returned through the Fiscal to the court from which it is issued, with a statement of the service endorsed thereon, and signed by the officer in charge of the jail.

Service of a summons out of Sri Lanka may be allowed by the court in all cases in which the court has jurisdiction. Every application for an order for leave to serve such summons on a defendant out of Sri Lanka shall be by motion and shall be supported by evidence (by
affidavit or otherwise) showing in what place or country such defendant is or may probably be found, and the grounds on which the application is made.

Every order granting leave to effect service of summons out of Sri Lanka shall direct the mode by which such service shall be effected, and also direct that the defendant shall on or before the date specified in the summons, such date being a date not later than six months
from the date of the order for service outside Sri Lanka, file his answer and comply with the other requirements of section 55.

A summons under sections 69 and 70 shall be in the form No. 18 in the First Schedule.

CHAPTER IX

OF FILING ANSWER

If the defendant admits the claim of the plaintiff, the court shall give judgment against the
defendant according to the admission so made. Such admission shall be in writing, signed by the defendant and his signature attested by an attorney-at-law.

If the defendant does not admit the plaintiffs claim, he shall himself, or his registered attorney shall on his behalf, deliver to the court a duly stamped written answer.

[Section 74 is repealed by Law No. 20 of 1977]

75. Every such answer shall be distinctly written upon good and suitable paper, shall be duly stamped, shall be subscribed by the defendant or his duly 1977] constituted representative

as in the case of a plaint is provided for the plaintiffs subscription, or if he is represented by a registered attorney, by such registered attorney, and shall contain the following particulars:

(a): the name of the court, the number of the case, and the date of filing the answer;
(b): the name of the plaintiff;
(c): the name, description, and residence of the defendant;
(d): a statement admitting or denying the several averments of the plaint, and setting out in detail plainly and concisely the matters of fact and law, and the circumstances of the case upon which the defendant means to rely for his defence; this statement shall be drawn in duly numbered paragraphs, referring by number, where necessary, to the paragraphs of the plaint;
(e): when the defendant sets up a claim in reconvention the answer must contain a plain and concise statement of the facts constituting the ground of such claim which the defendant makes in reconvention. A claim in reconvention duly set up in the answer shall have the same effect as a plaint in a cross action so as to enable the court to pronounce a final judgment in the same action both on the original and on the cross claim; but it shall not affect the lien upon the amount decreed of any registered attorney in respect of the costs payable to him under the decree.

Jurisdiction of 76. If the defendant intends to dispute the averment in the plaint as to the jurisdiction of the court to be court, he must do so by a separate and distinct plea, expressly traversing such averment.

specially traversed.

Rejection and amendment of answer.

[7,79 of 1988]

Copy of answer to be delivered to plaintiff or his registered attorney.

[18,20 of 1977]

When replication may be allowed.

[19,20 of 1977]

Day of trial. [8,79 of 1988]

A reasonable number of cases to be fixed for each day. Postponement.

Un disposed of cases to be placed at the head of the roll.

If any answer is substantially defective in any of the particulars hereinbefore defined, or is argumentative or prolix, or contains matter irrelevant to the action, the court may, by an order to be endorsed thereon, reject the same or return it to the party by whom it was made, for amendment within a period not exceeding one month from the date on which the answer was so returned, and the court may impose such terms as to costs or otherwise as it thinks fit. If the answer is rejected or left unamended as ordered, the defendant shall be regarded as
having failed to file answer. The order so endorsed shall specify the ground of the rejection.

A copy of the answer shall be served on the plaintiff, or each of the plaintiffs, if more than one, or his or their registered attorney.
CHAPTER X OF THE REPLICATION AND FURTHER PLEADINGS

Except in the case of a claim by a defendant in reconvention, no pleading after answer shall be tiled except by order of court on special motion to be made after due notice to the other side, and before the day appointed for the hearing of the action, upon such terms as to costs and the postponement of the hearing of the action as the court shall think fit. Such order shall not be made (except in the case of a claim in reconvention on the part of the defendant) unless the court is satisfied on such motion that the real issues between the parties cannot be conveniently raised without such further pleading. All pleadings after answer shall be subject to the rules prescribed by section 75 relative to the form and

substance of the answer, so far as the same can be made applicable, and copies of such pleadings shall be served on the opposite party or his registered attorney.

CHAPTER XI

OF FIXING DAY OF TRIAL

On the date fixed for the filing of the answer of the defendant or where replication is permitted, on the date fixed for the filing of such replication, and whether the same is filed or not, the court shall appoint a date for the trial of the action, and shall give notice thereof, in
writing by registered post to all parties who have furnished a registered address and tendered the cost of service of such notice, as provided by subsection (2) of section 55.

The court shall, in fixing the day of hearing, be careful not to appoint more cases for one day than there is a probability of the court getting through on that day.
When any case is in its turn called on for hearing upon the day appointed there for, the court may, for sufficient cause to be specified in its written order, direct that the hearing be postponed to a day which shall be fixed in the order, upon such terms as to costs or otherwise as the court shall think fit; Provided that the court may in its discretion take and deal with a case out of its order in the

cause list on any day for good reason to be adjudicated upon and recorded by the court before entering upon the case.

83.

(1) The cases in any day's cause list not disposed of on that day, by reason of want of time, will be placed at the head of the next court-day's cause list, unless the Judge directs otherwise.

[21,20 of 1977] (2) As soon as the cause list for any day is prepared, legibly-written copies of it in the language of the court and the language or languages of the parties

[§ 22,20 of

1977] Default of defendant.

[23,20 of 1977]

Procedure in ex parte trial.

[23,20 of 1977]

If defendant excuses his default, any order or judgment to be set aside.

[23,20 of 1977]

Non-appearance of Plaintiff. [23,20 of 1977] shall be placed in some fit and conspicuous place outside the court-house, so that the suitors and all others interested may be enabled readily to be informed of the contents of the same.

CHAPTER XII

OF THE CONSEQUENCES AND CURE (WHEN PERMISSIBLE) OF DEFAULT IN PLEADING OR APPEARING

84. If the defendant fails to file his answer on or before the day fixed for the filing of the answer, or on or before the day fixed for the subsequent filing of the answer or having filed his answer, if he fails to appear on the day fixed (or the hearing of the action, and if the court is satisfied that the defendant has been duly served with summons, or has received due notice of the day fixed for the subsequent filing of the answer, or of the day fixed for the hearing of the action, as the case may be, and if, on the occasion of such default of the

defendant, the plaintiff appears, then the court shall proceed to hear the case ex pane forthwith, or on such other day as the court may fix.

85.

(1): The plaintiff may place evidence before the court in support of his claim by affidavit, or by oral testimony and move for judgment, and the court, if 1977] satisfied that the plaintiff is entitled to the relief claimed by him, either in its entirety or subject to modification, may enter such judgment in favour of the plaintiff as to it shall seem proper, and enter decree accordingly.
(2): Where the court is of opinion that the entirety of the relief claimed by the plaintiff cannot be granted, the court shall hear the plaintiff before modifying the relief claimed.
(3): Where there are several defendants of whom one or more file answer and another or others of whom fail to file answer, the plaintiff may move for judgment against such of the defendants as may be in default without prejudice to his right to proceed with the action against such of the defendants as may have filed answer. The provisions of this subsection shall apply notwithstanding that the defendants are jointly liable upon a bill of exchange, promissory note or cheque.
(4): The court shall cause a copy of the decree entered under this section to be served on the defendant in the manner prescribed for the service of summons. Such copy of the decree shall bear an endorsement that any application to set aside the decree under subsection (2) of section 86 shall be made to court within fourteen days of such service.

86.

(2) Where, within fourteen days of the service of the decree entered against him for default, the defendant with notice to the plaintiff makes application to and thereafter satisfies court, that he had reasonable grounds for such default, the court shall set aside the judgment and decree and permit the defendant to proceed with his defence as from the stage of default upon such terms as to costs or otherwise as to the court shall appear proper.

[3,53 of 1980] (2A) At any time prior to the entering of judgment against a defendant for default, the court may, if the plaintiff consents, but not otherwise, set aside any order made on the basis of the default of the defendant and permit him to proceed with his defence as from the stage of default upon such terms as to costs or otherwise as to the court shall appear fit.

(3) Every application under this section shall be made by petition supported by affidavit.

87.

(1): Where the plaintiff or where both the plaintiff and the defendant make trial, the court shall dismiss the plaintiffs action.
(2): Where an action has been dismissed under this section, the plaintiff shall be precluded from bringing a fresh action in respect of the same cause of action.

No appeal against Judgment for default but order setting aside or refusing to set aside judgment appealable.

[23,20 of 1977]

Where two or more defendants severally liable.

One of many defendants appearing, no decree for default need be passed against others.

Motions. [23,20 of 1977]

Postponements, adjournments and extensions of time.

[25,20 of 1977]

(3) The plaintiff may apply within a reasonable time from the date of dismissal, by way of petition supported by affidavit, to have the dismissal set aside, and if on the hearing of such application, of which the defendant shall be given notice, the court is satisfied that there were reasonable grounds for the nonappearance of the plaintiff, the court shall make order setting aside the dismissal upon such terms as to costs or otherwise as it thinks fit, and shall appoint a day for proceeding with the action as from the stage at which the dismissal for default was made.

88.

(1): No appeal shall lie against any judgment entered upon default.
(2): The order setting aside or refusing to set aside the judgment entered upon default shall be accompanied by a judgment adjudicating upon the facts and specifying the grounds upon which it is made, and shall be liable to an appeal to the Court of Appeal.

[4,53 of 1980] (3) The provisions of sections 761 and 763 shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to and in relation to the execution of a decree entered upon default, where an order refusing to set aside such decree has been made.

In the case of an action against two or more defendants alleged to be severally liable, where a summons is served upon any of them, the plaintiff may proceed against the person or persons served as if no other defendant were named in the summons. Where it is served upon all of them, the plaintiff may take judgment against one or more of them, where he
would be entitled to judgment if the action was against him or them alone. Where judgment is so taken the plaintiff may proceed in the same action against the other defendants.

In the case of an action where there are more defendants than one, the court shall not be obliged to pass a decree for default against a defendant for failing to appear at a stage of

the action, provided that one defendant at least appears at that stage against whom the action must proceed,

CHAPTER XIII

OF MOTIONS

91. Every application made to the court in the course of an action, incidental thereto, and not a step in the regular procedure, shall be made by motion by the applicant in person or his counsel or registered attorney, and a memorandum in writing of such motion shall be at the

same time delivered to the court. 91A.

(1): Where a day is fixed or time appointed for doing any act or taking any proceeding by a party to the action, the court may, from time to time, upon the motion of such party and, if sufficient cause is shown, fix another day or enlarge or abridge the time appointed, upon such terms, if any, as to it may seem proper.
(2): The day may be refixed or the time enlarged although the application for the same is not made until after the expiration of the day or time fixed or appointed.
(3): The court may, for sufficient cause, either on the application of the parties or of its own motion, advance, postpone or adjourn the trial to any other date upon such terms as to costs or otherwise as to it shall seem proper.
(4): Where a date is fixed on or before which an act has to be done by a party to the action or a return has to be made to a commission issued by the court, the case shall be called in open court on such date for the purpose of making an appropriate order in connection therewith or relating thereto.

CHAPTER XIV

OF THE JOURNAL Journal.

92. With the institution of the action the court shall commence a journal entitled as of the action, in which shall be minuted, as they occur, all the events in the course of the action, i.e., the original application, and every subsequent step, proceeding, and order; each minute shall

be signed and dated by the Judge, and the journal so kept shall be the principal record of the action.

CHAPTER XV
OF AMENDMENT
Amendments of	93.
[9,79 of 1988] [3,9 of 1991] pleadings.		(1) Upon application made to it before the day first fixed for trial of the action, in the presence of, or after reasonable notice to all the parties to the action, the Court shall have full power of amending in its discretion, all pleadings in
		the action, by way of addition, or alteration, or of omission.
		(2) On or after the day first fixed for the trial of the action and before final
		judgement,	no		application for the amendment of any pleadings shall be
		allowed unless the Court is satisfied, for reasons to be recorded by the Court,
		that grave and irremediable injustice will be caused if such amendment is not
		permitted, and		on		no	other ground, and that the party so applying has not
		been guilty of laches.
		(3) Any application for amendment of pleadings which may be allowed by the
		Court under subsection (1) or (2) shall be upon such terms as to costs and
		postponement or otherwise as the Court may think fit.
		(4) The additions or alterations or omissions shall be clearly made on the face
		of the pleading affected by the Order ;or if this cannot conveniently be done, a
		fair copy of the pleading as altered shall, be appended in the record of the
		action to the pleading amended. Every such addition or alteration or omission
		shall be signed by the Judge.

CHAPTER XVI OF DISCOVERY, INSPECTION, PRODUCTION, IMPOUNDING, AND RETURN OF DOCUMENTS Interrogatories.

94.

(1): Any party may at any time before hearing, by leave of the court to be obtained on motion ex parte, deliver through the court interrogatories in writing for the examination of the opposite party, or, where there are more opposite parties than one, any one or more of such parties, with a note at the foot thereof stating which of such interrogatories each of such persons is required to answer: Provided that no party shall deliver more than one set of interrogatories to the same person without the permission of the court, and that no defendant shall deliver interrogatories for the examination of the plaintiff unless such defendant has previously tendered his answer, and such answer has been received and placed on the record.
(2): For the purposes of this Chapter, " opposite party ", means a party between whom and the party interrogating an issue has been raised.

Service of 95. Interrogatories delivered under the last section shall be served on the registered attorney interrogatories.

(if any) of the party interrogated, or in the manner hereinbefore provided for the service of summons, and the provisions herein contained with regard to service of summons shall, in the latter case, apply, so far as may be practicable.

Cost of 96. The court, in adjusting the costs of the action, shall at the instance of any party, inquire, unreasonable or cause inquiry to be made, into the propriety of delivering such interrogatories; and if it interrogatories to thinks that such interrogatories have been delivered unreasonably, exatiously, or at improper be borne by party length, the costs occasioned by the said interrogatories, and the answers thereto, shall be in fault.

borne by the party in fault.

^{Interrogatories to}97. If any party to an action is a body corporate or a company, whether incorporated or not,

company, & c.

or any other body of persons empowered by law to sue or be sued, whether in its own name or in the name of any officer or other person, any opposite party may apply to the court for an order allowing him to deliver interrogatories to any member or officer of such corporation, company, or body, and an order may be made accordingly.

When party may refuse to answer.

To be answered by affidavit.

Application for further answer.

Notice to admit genuineness of Documents

Order for discovery of documents.

Order for order production of documents.

State required to make discovery or give inspection of documents under certain circumstances.

[26,20 of 1977]

Notice to produce documents for inspection.

Any party called upon to answer interrogatories, whether by himself or by any such member or officer, may refuse to answer any interrogatory on the ground that it is scandalous or irrelevant, or is not put bona fide for the purposes of the action, or that the answer will tend
to criminate himself, or that the matter inquired after is not sufficiently material at that stage of the action, or on any other like ground.

Interrogatories shall be answered by affidavit to be filed in court within ten days from the service thereof, or within such further time as the court may allow.
If any person interrogated omits or refuses to answer or answers insufficiently any interrogatory, the party interrogating may apply to the court for an order requiring him to answer or to answer further, as the case may be. And an order may be made requiring him to answer or to answer further, either by an affidavit or by viva voce examination, as the court may direct:

Provided that the court shall not require an answer to an interrogatory which in its opinion need not have been answered under section 98.

101.

(1): Either party may, by a notice issued by order of court, to be obtained on motion ex parte within a reasonable time not less than ten days before the hearing, require the other party to admit (saving ail just exceptions to the admissibility of such document in evidence) the genuineness of any document material to the action.
(2): The admission shall also be made in writing, signed by the other party or his registered attorney, and filed in court.
(3): If such notice be not given, no costs of proving such document shall be allowed, unless the court otherwise orders.
(4): If such notice is not complied with within four days after its being served, and the court thinks it reasonable that the admission should have been made, the party refusing shall bear the expense of proving such document, whatever may be the result of the action.

102.

(1): The court may, at any time during the pendency therein of any action, order any party to the action to declare by affidavit all the documents which are or have been in his possession or power relating to any matter in question in the action, and any party to the action may, at any time before the hearing, apply to the court for a like order.
(2): Every affidavit made under this section shall specify which, if any, of the documents therein mentioned the declarant objects to produce, together with the grounds of such objection.

103. The court may, at any time during the pendency therein of any action, the production by any party thereto or such of the documents in his possession or power relating to any matter in question in such action or proceeding as the court thinks right; and the court may

deal with such documents when produced in such manner as appears just. 103A.

(1): In any action to which the State is a party, the State may also be required to make discovery or give inspection of documents.
(2): The provisions of subsection (1) shall not prejudice the right of the State to withhold any document on the ground that in the opinion of the Minister in charge of the subject to which the document relates, the public interest would suffer by such disclosure.

104.

(1) Any party to an action may, at any time before or at the hearing thereof, by Time and place of such production to be specified by party receiving notice.

Otherwise, order for inspection to be made by court.

Application for order to be supported by affidavit.

Court may reserve question as to discovery or inspection.

Consequence of not complying with order under this Chapter.

Court may inspect records of other courts.

motion ex parte, obtain an order of court for notice to issue to any other party in whose pleadings or affidavits reference is made to any document, to produce such document for the inspection of the party giving such notice, or of his registered attorney, and to permit such party or registered attorney to take copies thereof.

(2) No party failing to comply with such notice shall afterwards be at liberty to put any such document in evidence on his behalf in such action, unless he satisfies the court that such document relates only to his own title, or that he had some other and sufficient cause for not complying with such notice.

The party to whom such notice is given shall, within ten days from the receipt thereof, deliver through the court to the party giving the same a notice stating a time within three days from such delivery at which the documents, or such of them as he does not object to
produce, may be inspected at his registered attorney's office or some other convenient place, and stating which, if any, of the documents he objects to produce, and on what grounds.

If any party served with notice under section 104 omits to give notice under section
105 of the time for inspection, or objects to give inspection, or names an inconvenient place for inspection, the party desiring it may apply to the court for an order of inspection.

Except In the case of documents referred to in any pleading or affidavit of the party

against whom the application is made, or disclosed in his affidavit of documents, such application shall be founded upon an affidavit showing

(a): of what documents inspection is sought,
(b): that the party applying is entitled to inspect them, and
(c): that they are in the possession or power of the party against whom the application is made.

108. If the party from whom discovery of any kind or inspection is sought objects to the same or any part thereof, and if the court is satisfied that the right of such discovery or inspection depends on the determination of any issue or question in dispute in the action, or that for any other reason it is desirable that any such issue or question should be determined before deciding upon the right to the discovery or inspection, the court may order that the

issue or question be determined first, and reserve the question as to the discovery or inspection.

109.

(1): If any party fails to comply with any order under this Chapter to answer interrogatories, or for discovery, production, or inspection, which has been duly served, he shall, if a plaintiff, be liable to have his action dismissed for want of prosecution, and if a defendant, to have his defence, if any, struck out, and to be placed in the same position as if he had not appeared and answered. And the party interrogating or seeking discovery, production, or inspection may apply to the court for an order to this effect, and the court may make such order accordingly.
(2): Any party failing to comply with any order under this Chapter to answer interrogatories, or for discovery, production, or inspection which has been served personally upon him, shall also be deemed guilty of the offence of contempt of court.

110.

(1): The court may of its own accord, or in its discretion upon the application of any of the parties to an action, send for, either from its own records or from any other court, the record of any 'other action or proceeding, and inspect the same.
(2): Every application made under this section shall (unless the court otherwise directs) be supported by an affidavit of the applicant or his registered attorney, showing how the record is material to the action in which the application is made, and that the applicant cannot, without unreasonable delay or expense, obtain a duly authenticated copy of the record or of such portion thereof as the applicant requires, or that the production of- the original is necessary for the purposes of justice.
(3): Nothing in this section shall be deemed to enable the court to use in evidence any document which by the law of evidence in force in Sri Lanka would be inadmissible in the action.

Parties to he ready with all documents at trial.

Document called for and not produced shall not be received afterwards.

Documents to be received by court.

No documents to be placed on record unless proved.

Court may order any document to be impounded.

When document admitted in evidence may be returned.

The parties or their registered attorneys shall bring with them and have in readiness at the hearing of the action, to be produced when called for by the court, all the documentary evidence of every description in their possession or power, on which they intend to rely, and
which has not already been filed in court, and all documents which the court at any time before such hearing has ordered to be produced.

No documentary evidence in the possession or power of any party which should have been, but has not been, produced in accordance with the requirements of section 111, shall be received at any subsequent stage of the proceedings, unless good cause be shown to the

satisfaction of the court for the non- production thereof. And the court on receiving any such evidence shall record its reason for so doing.

113.

(1): The court shall receive the documents respectively produced by the parties at the hearing, provided that the documents produced by each party be accompanied by an accurate list thereof. Rejection of irrelevant or inadmissible documents.
(2): The court may at any stage of the action reject any document which it considers irrelevant or otherwise inadmissible, recording the grounds of such rejection.

114.

(1) No document shall be placed on the record unless it has been proved or

admitted in accordance with the law of evidence for the time being in force. Proved (2) Every document so proved or admitted shall be endorsed with some documents to number or letter sufficient to identity it. The Judge shall then make an entry on be marked the record to the effect that such document was proved against or admitted by and filed. (as the case may be) the person against whom it is used, and shall in such

entry refer to such document by such number or letter in such a way as to identify it with the document so proved or admitted. The document shall then be filed as part of the record.

Documents which are not

(3) All documents produced at the hearing and not so proved or admitted shall proved to be

be returned to the parties respectively producing them.

returned to parties.

115. Notwithstanding anything contained in section 114, the court may, if it sees sufficient cause, direct any document or book produced before it in any action to be impounded and

kept in the custody of an officer of the court for such period and subject to such conditions as the court thinks fit.

116.

(1) When an action has been disposed of, or when the time for preferring an appeal from the decree has elapsed, or if an appeal has been preferred, then after the appeal has been disposed of, any person, whether a party to the action or not, desirous of receiving back any document produced by him in the action, and placed on the record, shall, unless the document is impounded under section 115, be entitled to receive back the same: Provided that a document may be returned at any time if the person applying for such return deliver to the proper officer a certified copy of such document to be substituted for the original;

Certain And provided further, that no document shall be returned which by force of the documents not

decree has become void or useless.

to be returned. Receipt for (2) On the return of a document which has been admitted in evidence, a returned receipt shall be given by the party receiving it, in a receipt book to be kept for documents. the purpose.

Provisions as to documents apply to other material objects.

Translations of documents.

Who shall be deemed a translator.

Fees of translators.

[27,20 of 1977]

[§28,20 of

1977] Summonses to witnesses.

Payment of witness's expenses.

Witness's expenses to be paid before he gives evidence. Court may order a sufficient sum to

The provisions herein contained as to documents shall, so far as may be, apply to all other material objects producible as evidence.
TRANSLATIONS OF DOCUMENTS

No translation of any document tendered in evidence in any court shall be permitted to be read as a translation of such document, unless the same shall be signed by an interpreter
of the Supreme Court, or the Court of Appeal, or by a Government sworn translator, or by a sworn translator or interpreter of some District Court, Family Court or Primary Court.

No person other than an interpreter of the Supreme Court, or the Court of Appeal, or a Government sworn translator, or an interpreter of a District Court, or Family Court or Primary Court, shall be deemed to be a translator of any court unless he shall have received a
certificate from the Judge of such court that he is competent to fulfill the duties of a translator, and shall have taken an oath before such Judge faithfully to perform the duties of his office.

No such translator as aforesaid shall be entitled to have or recover in respect of fees

for any translation any sum of money in excess of the following rates, namely:For every folio of 120 words .. Rs. 1.25. For every fractional part of a folio .. Rs. 1.25.

CHAPTER XVII

OF WITNESSES AND DOCUMENTS

121.

(1) The parties may, after the summons has been delivered for service on the defendant, obtain, on application to the court or to such officer as the court appoints in that behalf, before the day fixed for the hearing, summonses to persons whose attendance is required either to give evidence or to produce documents.

Lists of (2) Every party to an action shall, not less than fifteen days before the date witnesses and fixed or the trial of an action, tile or cause to be filed in court after notice to the documents. opposite party

[29,20 of 1977] (a) a list of witnesses to be called by such party at the trial, and

(b) a list of the documents relied upon by such party and to be produced at the trial,

The party applying for a summons shall, before the summons is granted, and within a period to be fixed by the court, pay into court, or give security for payment of, such a sum of money as appears to the court to be sufficient to defray the traveling and other expenses of the person summoned, in passing to and from the court in which he is required to attend, and for one day's attendance: Provided that in the case of a witness residing within four miles of the court at which his attendance is required, no such payment shall be made nor security given; And provided further that the making of any such payment and the giving of any such security shall in no case be a condition precedent to the issue of a summons, but in every case (except the case of a witness residing within four miles from the court) where summons issues without such payment having been made or security given, the witness shall be
informed on the face of the summons that such is the case, and that it is not obligatory on him to attend.

The sum so paid into court, or so secured, shall at least be paid or tendered to the
person summoned at the time when he is called on to give his evidence, if he demands the same.

If it appears to the court or to such officer as it appoints in this behalf that the sum paid into court is not sufficient to cover such expenses, the court may direct such further sum to be

be paid.

Expenses of detention.

Summons to specify time, place, and purpose of attendance.

Summons to produce document.

Person in court may be required to produce a document. Service of summons.

Service must afford reasonable time for attendance. Procedure to be followed when summons cannot be served.

paid to the person summoned as appears to be necessary on that account; and in case of default in payment, may, by writ issued to the Fiscal, order such sum to be levied by sequestration and sale of the movable property of the party obtaining the summons as is hereinafter provided; or the court may discharge the person summoned without requiring him to give evidence ; or may both order such levy and discharge such person as aforesaid.

125. If it is necessary to detain the person summoned for a longer period than one day, the court may from time to time order the party at whose instance he was summoned to pay into court such sum as is sufficient to defray the expenses of his detention for such further period; and in default of such deposit being made, may, by writ issued to the Fiscal, order such sum to be levied by sequestration and sale of the movable property of the party at whose instance

he was summoned; or the court may discharge the person summoned without requiring him to give evidence; or may both order such levy and discharge such person as aforesaid.

126.

(1): Every summons for the attendance of a person to give evidence or produce a document shall specify the time and place at which he is required to attend and also whether his attendance is required for the purpose of giving evidence or to produce a document, or for both purposes; and any particular document which the person summoned is called on to produce shall be described in the summons with reasonable accuracy.
(2): If money has been deposited or security given for his expenses under the provisions of section 122, the summons shall contain a statement to that effect.

Any person may be summoned to produce a document without being summoned to give evidence; and any person summoned merely to produce a document shall be deemed
to have complied with the summons if he cause such document to be produced, instead of attending personally to produce the same.

Any person present in court may be required by the court to give evidence, or to produce any document then and there in his actual possession or power.

Every summons to a person to give evidence or produce a document shall be served as nearly as may be in the manner hereinbefore prescribed for the service of summons on
the defendant; and the rules contained in this Ordinance as to proof of service of summons on the defendant shall apply in case of all summonses served under this section.

The service shall in all cases be made a sufficient time before the time specified in the

summons for the attendance of the person summoned, to allow him a reasonable time for preparation and for traveling to the place at which his attendance is required.

131.

(1) If the Fiscal returns to the court that the summons for the attendance of a person, either to give evidence or to produce a document, cannot be served, the court may take evidence touching the non-service. And upon being satisfied that such evidence or production is material, and that the person for whose attendance the summons has been issued is absconding, or keeping out of the way for the purpose of avoiding the service of summons, the court may in its discretion either issue a warrant for the apprehension of such witness or may issue a proclamation requiring him to attend to give evidence, or produce the document, at a time and place to be named therein; and a copy of such proclamation shall be affixed on the outer door of the house in which he ordinarily resides.

Proclaimed (2) If he does not attend at the time and place named in such proclamation, Witness how the court may in its discretion, at the instance of the party on whose dealt with. application the summons was issued make an order for the sequestration of

the property of the person whose attendance is required, to such amount as the court thinks fit, not exceeding the amount of the costs of sequestration and of the fine which may be imposed under section 133.

If witness appears 132. If, on the sequestration of his 'property, such person appears and satisfies the court sequestration may that he did not abscond or keep out of the way to avoid service of the summons, and that he be withdrawn.

had not notice of the proclamation in time to attend at the time and place named therein, the court shall direct that the property be released from sequestration, and shall make such order as to the costs of the sequestration as it thinks fit.

Procedure when witness fails to appear.

Court may summon and examine any person as witness.

Person summoned must attend at time and place named in the summons. When witness may depart.

Witness may be arrested for noncompliance with summons.

Court may release arrested witness on bail.

Procedure when witness absconds.

Court may pass decree against 133. If such person does not appear, or appearing, fails to satisfy the court that he did not abscond or keep out of the way to avoid service of the summons, and that he had not notice of the proclamation in time to attend at the time and place named therein, the court may impose upon him such fine, in the case of the Primary Court not exceeding fifty rupees, and in the case of the District Court not exceeding two hundred rupees, as the court thinks fit, having regard to his condition in life and all the circumstances of the case; and may order the property sequestered, or any part thereof, to be sold for the purpose of satisfying all costs incurred in consequence of such sequestration, together with the amount of the said fine, if any: Provided that if the person whose attendance is required pays into court the costs and the

fine as aforesaid, the court shall order the property to be released from sequestration. 134 Subject to the rules of this Ordinance as to attendance and appearance, if the court at any time thinks it necessary to examine any person other than a party to the action, and not

named as a witness by a party to the action, the court may, of its own motion, cause such person to be summoned as a witness to give evidence, or to produce any document in his possession, on a day to be appointed; and may examine him as a witness, or require him to produce such document.

Subject as last aforesaid, whoever is summoned to appear and give evidence in an action must attend at the time and place named in the summons for that purpose, and
whoever is summoned to produce a document must either attend to produce it, or cause it to be produced, at such time and place.

No person so summoned and attending shall depart unless and until

he has been examined or has produced the document and the court has risen; or
he has obtained the court's leave to depart.

137.

(1) If any person on whom a summons to give evidence or produce a document has been served fails to comply with the summons, or if any person so summoned and attending departs in contravention of section 136, the court may order him to be arrested and brought before the court: Provided that no such order shall be made when the court has reason to believe that the person so failing had a lawful excuse for such failure.

Noncompliance with summons (2) When any person so brought before the court fails to satisfy it that he had without awful a lawful excuse for not complying with the summons, he shall be deemed to excuse

be guilty of the offence of contempt of court, and punishable therefor.

deemed to be contempt of court.

If any person so apprehended and brought before the court cannot, owing to the absence of the parties or any of them give the evidence or produce the document which he has been summoned to give or produce, the court may require him to give reasonable bail or
other security for his appearance at such time and place as it thinks fit, and on such bail or security being given may release him.

If any person so failing to comply with a summons absconds or keeps out of the way,
so that he cannot be apprehended and brought before the court, the provisions of sections 131, 132, and 133 shall, mutatis mutandis apply.

If any party to an action being present in court refuses, without lawful excuse, when

party refusing to give evidence.

Rules as to witnesses to apply to a party summoned to give evidence.

Privilege from arrest of witness.

Adjournments.

Non-appearance of a party on the adjourned day.

Default of party to carry out purpose of adjournment.

Determining of issues.

required by the court, to give evidence, or to produce any document then and there in his actual possession or power, the court may in its discretion either pass a decree against him, or make such other order in relation to the action as the court thinks fit, or may punish him as for a contempt of court.

141.

(1): Whenever any party to an action is required to give evidence or produce a document, the rules as to witnesses contained in this Ordinance shall apply to him, so far as they are applicable.
(2): Nothing in this Chapter contained shall be deemed in any way to contravene or affect the provisions of the Proof of Public Documents Ordinance except in so far as the same may be hereby expressly repealed or modified.

142. Any person duly and in good faith summoned or ordered to attend for the purpose of

being examined in a case is privileged from arrest in a civil action or special proceeding while going to, remaining at, and returning from the place where he is required to attend.

CHAPTER XVIII

OF ADJOURNMENTS

143. [10,79 of 1988] (1) The court may, if sufficient cause be shown at any stage of the action, grant time to the parties or to any of them, and may from time to time adjourn the hearing of the action:

Provided however, that no adjournment in excess of Six weeks may be granted except in exceptional circumstances, and for reasons to be recorded.

(2) In all such cases the court shall fix a day for the further hearing of the action, and may make such order as it thinks fit with respect to the costs occasioned by the adjournment: Provided that, when the hearing of evidence has once begun, the hearing of the action shall be continued from day to day until all the witnesses in attendance have been examined, unless the court finds the adjournment of the hearing to be necessary for reasons to be recorded and signed by the Judge.

If on any day to which the hearing of the action is adjourned, the parties or any of
them fail to appear, the court may proceed to dispose of the action in one of the modes directed in that behalf by Chapter XII, or make such other order as it thinks fit.

If any party to an action, to whom time has been granted, fails to produce his evidence, or to cause the attendance of his witnesses, or to perform any other act necessary

to the further progress of the action, for which time has been allowed, the court may, notwithstanding such default, proceed to decide the action forthwith.

CHAPTER XIX

OF THE TRIAL

146.

(1): On the day fixed for the hearing of the action, or on any other day to which the hearing is adjourned, if the parties are agreed as to the question of fact or of law to be decided between them, they may state the same in the form of an issue, and the court shall proceed to determine the same.
(2): If the parties, however, are not so agreed, the court shall, upon the allegations made in the plaint, or in answer to interrogatories delivered in the action, or upon the contents of documents produced by either party, and after such examination of the parties as may appear necessary, ascertain upon what material propositions of fact or of law the parties are at variance, and shall thereupon proceed to record the issues on which the right decision of the case appears to the court to depend.
(3): Nothing in this section requires the court to frame and record issues when the defendant makes no defence.

Trial of issues of law first.

Adjournment for evidence.

Amendment of Issues.

Party having right to begin to state his case.

Party having right to begin to produce his evidence.

Cross-examination.

Re-examination.

When issues both of law and of fact arise in the same action, and the court is of opinion that the case may be disposed of on the issues of law only, it shall try those issues
first, and for that purpose may, if it thinks fit, postpone the settlement of the issues of fact until after the issue of law have been determined.

If the court is of opinion that the issues cannot be correctly framed without the examination of some person not before the court, or without the inspection of some document not produced in the action, it may adjourn the framing of the issue to a future day
to be fixed by the court, and may compel the attendance of such person or the production of such document by summons or other process.

The court may, at any time before passing a decree, amend the issues or frame additional issues on such terms as it thinks fit.
The party having the right to begin shall state his case, giving the substance of the facts which he proposes to establish by his evidence.

Explanation 1

Rules as to right to begin

The plaintiff has the right to begin unless where the defendant

admits the facts alleged by the plaintiff, and contends that either in

point of law or on some additional facts alleged by the defendant

the plaintiff is not entitled to any part of the relief which he seeks, in

which case the defendant has the right to begin.

Explanation 2

The case enunciated must reasonably accord with the party's

pleading, i.e., plaint or answer, as the case may be. And no party

can be allowed to make at the trial a case materially different from

that which he has placed on record, and which his opponent is

prepared to meet. And the facts proposed to be established must

in the whole amount to so much of the material part of his case as

is not admitted in his opponent's pleadings.

151. After stating his case in person, or by his registered attorney or counsel, the same

party shall produce his evidence, calling his witnesses and by questions eliciting from each of them the relevant and material facts to which such witness can speak of his own observation.

Explanation

The questions should be simple, and so framed as to obtain from

the witnesses, as nearly as may be in a chronological order, a

narrative of all the facts relevant to the matter in issue between the

parties which he has witnessed- i.e., which he has in any manner

directly observed or perceived, and no others. And on any disputed

point the questions should not be such as to lead, or suggest, the

answer; nor such as to induce a witness, other than an expert, to

state a conclusion of his reasoning, an inference of fact, or a

matter of belief, in the place of describing what he actually

observed.

Also, a general request to a witness to tell what he knows, or to

state the facts of the case, is, as a rule, not to be permitted,

because it gives an opening for a prepared story.

Nothing in this explanation operates to prevent a witness from

stating hearsay, or giving any opinion, where the hearsay or

opinion is a relevant fact in the case.

After the examination-in-chief by the party who called the witness, the cross-
examination of the same witness, if required, shall in like manner be effected by the opposite side, only that in this case leading questions may be put.

Then shall follow re-examination by the first side if required, for the purpose of enabling the witness to explain such answers given by him on cross-examination as may have left facts imperfectly stated by him, and to add such further facts as may have been

suggested and made admissible by the cross-examination Explanation

Tender of documents in evidence.

Procedure to be followed before

During the course of the examination, cross-examination, and reexamination, the court ought not, as a general rule, to interfere, except when necessary for the purpose of causing questions to be put in a clear and proper shape, of checking improper questions and of making the witness give precise answers. At the end of it, however, if it has been reasonably well conducted, the court ought to know fairly the position of the witness with regard to the material facts of the case, and it should then put such questions to the witness as it may consider necessary to possess itself of all the detailed relevant facts to which the witness can speak from personal observation, or which bear upon his trustworthiness.

154.

(1) Every document or writing which a party intends to use as evidence against his opponent must be formally tendered by him in the course of proving his case at the time when its contents or purport are first immediately spoken to by a witness. If it is an original document already filed in the record of some action, or the deposition of a witness made therein, it must previously be procured from that record by means of, and under an order from, the court. If it is a portion of the pleadings, or a decree or order of court made in another action, it shall not generally be removed there from, but a certified copy thereof shall be used in evidence instead.

Records of (2) It shall not be competent to the court to admit in evidence the entire body other actions of proceedings and papers of another action indiscriminately. Each of the not to be constituent documents, pleadings, or processes of the former action, which admitted in may be required in the pending action, must be dealt with separately as above bulk. directed. Documents (3) The document or writing being admitted in evidence, the court, after admitted to be marking it with a distinguishing mark or letter by which it should, when read aloud in necessary, be ever after referred to throughout the trial, shall cause it, or so court. much of it as the parties may desire, to be read aloud.

Explanation If the opposing party does not, on the document being tendered in evidence, object to its being received, and if the document is not such as is forbidden by law to be received in evidence, the court should admit it. If, however, on the document being tendered the opposing party objects to its being admitted in evidence, then commonly two questions arise for the court:Firstly, whether the document is authentic- in other words, is what the party tendering it represents it to be; and Secondly, whether, supposing it to be authentic, it constitutes legally admissible evidence as against the party who is sought to be affected by it. The latter question in general is matter of argument only, but the first must be supported by such testimony as the party can adduce. If the court is of opinion that the testimony adduced for this purpose, developed and tested by cross-examination, makes out a prima facie case of authenticity and is further of opinion that the authentic document is evidence admissible against the opposing party, then it should admit the document as before. If, however, the court is satisfied that either of those questions must be answered in the negative, then it should refuse to admit the document. Whether the document is admitted or not it should be marked as soon as any witness makes a statement with regard to it; and if not earlier marked on this account, it must, at least, be marked when the court decides upon admitting it.

155. Before a witness is allowed to, in any way, identify a document, he should generally be made, by proper questioning, to state the grounds of his knowledge with regard to it.

witness is asked to identify document.

Cross-examination as to knowledge.

Court to see witness thus tested.

And to decide on his competency.

Signature by a mark how proved.

Proof in the case of an illiterate person.

Case of documents whose execution need not be proved.

Copy of absent original how proved.

On termination of beginning party's case the opposing party to state and prove his in like manner. Reply. When rebutting evidence is admissible.

Illustration

If the witness is about to speak to the act, or factum, of signature

he should first be made to explain concisely the occurrences which

led to his being present on the occasion of the signing; and if he is

about to recognize a signature on the strength of his knowledge of

the supposed signer's handwriting, he should first be made to slate

the mode in which this knowledge was acquired.

The questioning for this purpose should be effected by the party who is seeking to
prove the document; and the opposing party, if he desires to do so, should be allowed to interpose with cross-examination on this point before the document is shown to the witness.

It is the duty of the court, in the Court to see event of a witness professing to be able
to witness thus tested recognize or identify writing, always to take care that his capacity to do so is thus tested, unless the opposite party admits it.

If on the examination effected for this purpose it appears to the court that the witness was not in tact present at the time Of signing, or is not reasonably competent to identify the

handwriting, then the court shall not permit him to give his testimony on the matter of the signature.

159.

(1): The signature of a person, which purports or which appears by the evidence to have been written by the pen of another, is not proved until both the fact of the writing and the authority of the writer to write the name on the document as a signature is proved.
(2): Subsection (1) applies to the case where the signature is a mark explained by the name written adjacent thereto.

In the case of an illiterate person, who cannot read, it must also be proved that at the time when his name was written on, or his mark put to, the document, he understood the contents of it: Provided that where the name of such illiterate person shall have been written on, or his mark put to, any document for the purpose merely of attesting the signature of another, it shall not be necessary to prove that he understood the contents of such document, but it shall be
sufficient to prove that he was aware of the purpose for which this name was so written or his mark so put, and that the person whose signature he purports to attest was known to him.

When the document purports on the face of it to be so old that proof of the actual execution is not required by law, it is not proved until sufficient evidence has been given to
prove both that it comes into court from the proper custody, and that it has continued to be in proper custody throughout the period during which it can be reasonably accounted for.

When the document, the admission of which is objected to, is put forward as the copy of an absent original, it is not proved until both such evidence as is sufficient to prove the correctness of the copy, and also such evidence as would be sufficient to prove the original, had it been tendered instead of the copy, has been given. Note:- The question whether a copy document is admissible in evidence between the parties
in the place of the original is quite distinct from the question whether the document (original or copy) is admissible as evidence relevant to the issue under trial.

When the party beginning has stated his case and adduced his evidence in accordance with the foregoing rules, then the opposing party or parties (if there are more than one, who have distinct cases) shall in person, or by registered attorney or counsel, state his or their case or cases (and in the latter event in succession), and when the case of each opposing party has been so stated each such party shall adduce in order his evidence, oral and documentary, and the same shall be received and dealt with precisely as in the case of the party beginning, who shall then be entitled to reply. But where there are several issues, the burden of proving some of which lies on the other party or parties, the party beginning

may at his option either produce his evidence on those issues or reserve it by way of answer to the evidence produced by the opposing party or parties; and in the latter case the party beginning may produce evidence on those issues after the other party or parties has or have produced all his or their evidence, and such other party or parties may then reply specially on the evidence so produced by the party beginning, but the party beginning will in that case be entitled to reply generally on the whole case.

Court may question witness at any time.

Court may recall Witness.

When may court permit departure from above Rules. Evidence of witness to be given orally in open court. Witness to be examined on oath, or affirmation.

Evidence of witness how taken down.

[30,20 of 1977] Any particular question and answer may be taken down. The objection to question which is allowed and the decision of court thereon may be taken down. The objection to question disallowed and the decision of court thereon to be taken down. Court may record remarks on demeanour of witness. Witnesses may be kept out of court.

The court may at any time, whether before or after the examination of a witness by the respective parties or during such examination, put and interpose such questions as it may
consider conducive to the attainment of truth and justice. And the answers to such questions shall be made to appear on the face of the record as having been given to the court.

The court may also in its discretion recall any witness, whose testimony has been
taken, for further examination or cross-examination, whenever in the course of the trial it thinks it necessary for the ends of justice to do so.

The court may for grave cause, to be recorded by it at the time, permit a departure from the course of trial prescribed in the foregoing rules.
The evidence of the witnesses shall be given orally, as above prescribed, in open court in the presence and under the personal direction and superintendence of the Judge.

Witnesses professing to be Christians or Jews, who have discretion to understand the nature of an oath, shall be examined upon oath, unless they state that, according to their religious tenets or on other grounds they object to the taking of an oath, in which case they shall be examined on affirmation. Witnesses not professing to be Christians or Jews shall be
examined on affirmation. The same rule shall apply to affidavits. And except when hereinafter otherwise expressly provided, the oath or affirmation shall be administered in open court.

The evidence of each witness shall be taken down in writing by the Judge, or in his
presence and hearing and under his personal direction and superintendence. The evidence shall be taken down ordinarily in the form of a narrative.

The court may of its own motion or on the application of any party take down or cause
to be taken down any particular question and answer, or any objection to any question, if there appear to the court any special reason for so doing.

If any question put to a witness be objected to, and the court allows the same to be put, the Judge may in his discretion take down in writing the question, the answer, the
objection, and the name of the party making it, together with the decision of the court thereon.

If on objection made the court refuses to allow the question to be put, the Judge shall,
on the request of the questioner, take down in writing the question, the objection, and the name of the party making it, together with the decision of the court thereon.

The court may record such remarks as it thinks material respecting the demeanour of any witness while under examination.
The witnesses on either side or on both or all sides shall, on motion of any of the parties, be kept out of court and of hearing, except the witness immediately under examination; nor shall any witness, who shall remain in court or within hearing after order made to that effect, be permitted to give evidence, unless in the case of a witness called to prove some fact which has incidentally become essential in the course of the trial, and the necessity of which could not reasonably have been anticipated. And every witness who has been examined shall be kept separate from, and shall be allowed no communication with, those who still remain to be examined: Provided that it shall be lawful for the court in its discretion to allow any witness to be

examined, if it shall think such examination conducive to the attainment of truth or justice, notwithstanding that such witness shall have remained in court or within hearing contrary to

such order aforesaid.

No witness to be called or document to be produced unless included in list of witnesses or documents.

Court may forbid indecent or scandalous questions.

Court shall forbid insulting questions. Evidence de bene esse.

Evidence taken on affidavit or on commission.

Court may examine witness viva voce notwithstanding affidavit or commission. What statements may affidavit contain.

175.

(1) No witness shall be called on behalf of any party unless such witness shall have been included in the list of witnesses previously filed in court by such party as provided by section 121: Provided, however, that the court may in its discretion, if special circumstances appear to it to render such a course advisable in the interests of justice, permit a witness to be examined, although such witness may not have been included in such list aforesaid, Provided also that any party to an action may be called as a witness without his name having been included in any such list.

[31,20 of 1977] (2) A document which is required to be included in the list of documents filed in court by a party as provided by section 121 and which is not so included shall not, without the leave of the court, be received in evidence at the trial of the action: Provided that nothing in this subsection shall apply to documents produced for cross examination of the witnesses of the opposite party or handed over to a witness merely to refresh his memory.

The court may forbid any questions or inquiries which it regards as indecent or scandalous, although such questions or inquiries may have some bearing on the questions
before the court, unless they relate to facts in issue or to matters necessary to be known in order to determine whether or not the fact in issue existed.

The court shall forbid any question which appears to it to be intended to insult or annoy, or which, though proper in itself, appears to the court needlessly offensive in form.

178.

(1): If a witness is about to leave the jurisdiction of the court, or if other sufficient cause is shown to the satisfaction of the court why his evidence should be taken immediately, the court may upon the application of either party or of the witness, at any time after the institution of the action and before trial, take the evidence of such witness in manner hereinbefore provided.
(2): Where such evidence is not taken forthwith, and in the presence of the parties, such notice as the court thinks sufficient of the day fixed for the examination shall be given to the parties.
(3): The evidence so taken may be read at any hearing of the action, provided that the witness cannot then be produced.

The court may at any time, for sufficient reason, order that any particular factor facts may be proved by affidavit, or by depositions taken on commission, instead of by the testimony of witnesses given viva voce before it, or that the affidavit, or deposition taken on commission, of any witness may be read at the hearing of the action on such conditions as the court shall think reasonable; Provided that when it appears to the court that either party bona fide desires the production of a witness before the court for cross-examination viva voce, and that such witness can be
so produced, an order shall not be made authorizing the evidence of such witness to be given otherwise than viva voce.

In the event of an order having been made for the proof of facts by affidavit, or by deposition taken on commission, the court may, nevertheless, at the instance of either party
order the attendance of the declarant or deponent at the hearing of the action for viva voce cross-examination, if he is in Sri Lanka and can be produced.

Affidavits shall be confined to the statement of such facts as the declarant is able of his own knowledge and observation to testify to, except on interlocutory applications in which

statement of his belief may be admitted, provided that reasonable grounds for such belief be set forth in the affidavit.

Petitions cannot

182. A petition stating facts of observation and belief is not converted into an affidavit by the

be converted to affidavits.

Who may administer oaths.

[11,79 of 1988]

Who may make affidavits in lieu of the parties to the action.

[12,79 of 1988]

Punishment for willful false statement made under section 183A.

[12,79 of 1988]

Judgment when pronounced.

Judge may pronounce judgment written by predecessor.

addition of a verifying clause, an affirmation or oath, to the effect that the statements in the petition are true.

183. In the case of any affidavit under this Chapter

(a): any court, or Magistrate, or Justice of the Peace; or
(b): any officer whom the Minister in charge of the subject of Justice may appoint for the purpose (and who shall be styled " Commissioner for Oaths ") may administer the oath to the declarant.
(c): any person qualified to administer an Oath or affirmation according to the law of the country, in which the affidavit is sworn or affirmed.

183A. Where any person is required under the provisions of this Code, or under any other law for the time being in force, to make an affidavit, then

(a): where the action is brought by or against the Attorney-General, any officer of the State, and
(b): where the action is brought by or against a corporation, board, public body, or company, any secretary, director or other principal officer of such corporation, board, public body or company; and
(c): where any party to the action is absent from Sri Lanka, his attorney duly authorized to bring, conduct or defend the action, as the case may be; and
(d): where any party to the action, or where there is more than one party to the action such of the parties as are in Sri Lanka, or when such attorney of the parties as is just above mentioned, is or are unable, for want of personal knowledge or bodily or mental infirmity, to make the required affidavit, any recognized agent of such party,

may make an affidavit in respect of these matters, instead of the party to the action: Provided that in each of the foregoing cases the person who makes the affidavit instead of the party to the action, must be a person having personal knowledge of the facts of the cause of action, and must in his affidavit swear or affirm that he deposes from his own personal knowledge of the matter therein contained and shall be liable to be examined as to the subject-matter thereof at the discretion of the Judge, as the party to the action would have been, if the affidavit had been made by such party.

183B. Where any person wilfully makes any false statement by affidavit or otherwise, in the course of any of the proceedings aforesaid he may be punished as for a contempt of court, besides his liability to be tried and punished under the Penal Code for the offence of giving false evidence, where such statement is on oath or affirmation.

CHAPTER XX JUDGMENT AND DECREE

184.

(1): The court, upon the evidence which has been duly taken or upon the facts admitted in the pleadings or otherwise, and after the parties have been heard either in person or by their respective counsel or registered attorneys (or recognized agents), shall, after consultation with the assessors (if any), pronounce judgment in open court, either at once or on some future day, of which notice shall be given to the parties or their registered attorneys at the termination of the trial.
(2): On the day so fixed, if the court is not prepared to give its judgment, a yet future day may be appointed and announced for the purpose.

185. A Judge may pronounce a judgment written by his predecessor, but not pronounced,

Judgment to be in

186. The judgment shall be in writing and shall be dated and signed by the Judge in open

writing and to be

court at the time of pronouncing it.

dated and signed in open court.

[32,20 of 1977] Validation in certain circumstances of judgments pronounced by successors in office of Judges.

[2,3 of 1960] Requisites of Judgment.

Decree.

Amendment of Judgments, decrees and orders.

Requisites of decree relating to immovable property.

[33,20 of 1977]

Requisites of decree relating to movable property.

At what rate may interest on money be decreed

[5,53 of 1980]

[3,6 of 1990]

186A. Where a Judge pronounces a judgment written by his predecessor but not pronounced as provided in section 185, such judgment shall, if such predecessor was a judicial officer within the meaning of Article 114(6) of the Constitution at the time such judgment was written, not be deemed to be invalid by reason only of the fact that such predecessor had no jurisdiction to write such judgment.

The judgment shall contain a concise statement of the case, the points for determination, the decision thereon, and the reasons for such decision; and the opinions of
the assessors (if any) shall be prefixed to the judgment and signed by such assessors respectively.

As soon as may be after the judgment is pronounced, a formal decree bearing the same date as the judgment shall be drawn up by the court in the form No. 41 in the First Schedule or to the like effect, specifying in precise words the order which is made by the judgment in regard to the relief granted or other determination of the action. The decree shall

also state by what parties and in what proportions costs are to be paid, and in cases in the Primary Courts shall state the amount of such cost. The decree shall be signed by the Judge.

189.

(1): The court may at any time, either on its own motion or on that of any of the parties, correct any clerical or arithmetical mistake in any judgment or order or any error arising therein from any accidental slip or omission, or may make any amendment which-is necessary to bring a decree into conformity with the judgment.
(2): Reasonable notice of any proposed amendment under this section shall in all cases be given to the parties or their registered attorneys.

Where the decree relates to immovable property the property affected thereby shall be described therein by the boundaries and in such other manner by reference to surveys or otherwise as may secure, as far as possible, correctness of identification; and the description
shall be in such form as to enable such decree to be registered under the Registration of Documents Ordinance.

When the action is for movable property, if the decree be for the delivery of such

property, it shall also state the amount of money to be paid as an alternative, if delivery cannot be had.

192.

(1): When the action is for a sum of rate may interest on money due to the plaintiff, the court may, 192 of the in the decree order interest according to the rate agreed on between the parties by the instrument sued on, or in the absence of any such agreement at the legal rate, to be paid, on the principal sum adjudged from the date of action to the date of the decree, in addition to any interest adjudged on such principal superior any period prior to the institution of the action, with further interest at such rate on the aggregate sum so adjudged from the date of the decree to the date of payment, or to such earlier date as the court thinks fit.
(2): For the purposes of this section, "the legal rate " means the rate per centum per annum determined by the Monetary Board established by the Monetary Law Act, by Notification published in the Gazette, having regard to current rates of bank interest.
(3): Where such decree is silent with regard to the payment of further interest on such aggregate sum as aforesaid from the date of the decree to the date of payment or other earlier date, the court shall be deemed to have refused such interest, and a separate action therefor shall not lie.

When may court

193. When the action is for damages for breach of contract, if it appear that the defendant

decree specific

is able to perform the contract, the court, with the consent of the plaintiff, may decree the

performance.

specific performance of the contract within a time to be fixed by the court, and in such case shall award an amount of damages to be paid as an alternative if the contract is not performed.

When may court decree payment by instalments.

Decree when setoff or claim in reconvention is allowed.

Decree when

claim in respect of

rent or other profit, the court may, whenever the prayer of the plaint asks for damages in

mesne profits from

respect of mesne profits or rent, provide in the decree for the payment of money in lieu of

date of action is allowed.

[6,53 of 1980]

Mesne profits prior to date of action.

Interlocutory order for accounts.

Administration by the court.

Decree in action for preemption &

In all decrees for the payment of money, except money due on mortgage of movable or immovable property, the court may order that the amount decreed to be due shall be paid by instalments, with or without interest, and the court may in its discretion impose such terms as it may think fit as to giving security for the payments so to be made: Provided always that on failure to pay the first or any other instalment, the whole amount or any balance then due shall on such failure become immediately payable; Provided also, that if the party ordered to pay by instalments shall appeal against the decree, and the appeal shall be decided against him, his right to pay by instalments shall cease, and the whole amount shall be immediately payable, unless the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court, as the case may be, give express direction to the contrary;
Provided also, that no appeal shall lie against the refusal of the court to make an order for payment by instalments.

If the defendant shall have been allowed to set off any demand against the claim of the plaintiff, the decree shall state what amount is due to the plaintiff and what amount (if any) is due to the defendant, and the mandatory part of the decree shall be for the recovery of any balance which shall on that statement appear to be due to either party. The decree of the court with respect to anything awarded to the defendant on any matter on which the defendant obtains judgment by set-off or in reconvention, shall be to the same effect, and be
subject to the same rules, as if such thing had been claimed by the defendant in a separate action against the plaintiff.

When the action is for the recovery of the possession of immovable property, yielding

mesne profits or rent in respect of such property from the date of the institution of the action until the delivery of possession to the party in whose favour the decree is made, with interest thereon at such rate not exceeding twelve per centum as the court thinks fit.

Explanation " Mesne profits " of property mean those profits which the person in wrongful possession of such property actually received, or might, with ordinary diligence, have received therefrom.

When the action is for the recovery of possession of immovable property and for mesne profits which have accrued thereon during a period prior to the institution of the action, the court may either determine the amount and make an order for the payment thereof additional to and embodied in the decree itself, or may pass a decree for the property and
reserve the inquiry into the amount of mesne profits to be entered upon after the execution of the decree for the property, as may appear most convenient.

When the action is for an account of any property and for its due administration under the decree of the court, the court, before making the final decree between the parties, shall
order such accounts and inquiries to be taken and made, and give such other directions, as it thinks fit.

In the administration by the court of the property of any person who dies after this Ordinance comes into force, if such property proves to be insufficient for the payment in full of his debts and liabilities, the same rules shall be observed as to the respective rights of secured and unsecured creditors, and as to debts and liabilities provable, and as to the valuation of annuities and future and contingent liabilities respectively as may be in force for the time being with respect to the estates of persons adjudged insolvent. And all persons who in any such case would be entitled to be paid out of such property may come in under the
decree for its administration and make such claims against the same as they may respectively be entitled to by virtue of this Ordinance.

When the action is to enforce a right of pre-emption in respect of a particular sale of property, and the court finds for the plaintiff, if the amount of purchase money has not been paid into court, the decree shall specify a day on or before which it shall be so paid, and shall

declare that on payment of such purchase money, together with the costs (if any) decreed against him, the plaintiff shall obtain possession of the property, but that if such money and

costs are not so paid on or before such day or any extension thereof which shall have been allowed for good cause shown, the action shall stand dismissed with costs. [Section 201 is repealed by Ordinance No. 21 of 1927]

Interlocutory order in action for dissolution of partnership. Suit for account between principal and agent.

Decree or order postponing hearing.

Any person entitled to certified copies of decree and judgment.

Decree or copy to be primary evidence of decision. Decrees must be decisive, and must not direct non-suit.

Costs.

Court always to have Power to give or reserve costs.

[5,14 of 1997]

When the action is for the dissolution of partnership, the court before making its decree
may pass an order fixing the day on which the partnership shall stand dissolved, and directing such accounts to be taken and other acts to be done as it thinks fit.

When the action is for an account of pecuniary transactions between principal and agent, and in all other actions not hereinbefore provided for, where it is necessary in order to ascertain the amount of money due to or from any party that an account should be taken, the
court shall before making its decree pass an order directing such account to be taken as it thinks fit.

When a decree or order made at the hearing of the action is such as to have the effect of postponing the further hearing and the final determination of the action, as for instance a decree for the taking of accounts, or an order for the issue of a commission to take evidence,
or of a commission to divide by metes and bounds, it shall specify the time at which the further hearing of the action shall be proceeded with.

Upon being paid such fee as the court shall from time to time determine, the Registrar of the court shall at all times furnish to any person applying for the same, and supplying the necessary stamp, copies of the proceedings in any action, or any party thereof, or upon such
application and production of such stamp shall examine and certify to the correctness of any such copies made by such person.

The decree or such certified copy thereof shall constitute the sole primary evidence of the decision or order passed by the court.
All decrees passed by the court shall, subject to appeal, when an appeal is allowed, be final between the parties; and no plaintiff shall hereafter be non-suited.

Explanation

Every right of property, or to money, or to damages, or to relief of

any kind which can be claimed, set up, or put in issue between the

parties to an action upon the cause of action for which the action is

brought, whether it be actually so claimed, set up, or put in issue or

not in the action, becomes, on the passing of the final decree in the

action, a res adjudicata, which cannot afterwards be made the

subject of action for the same cause between the same parties.

CHAPTER XXI

OF COSTS

Under the denomination of costs are included the whole of the expenses necessarily incurred by either party on account of the action and in enforcing the decree passed therein, such as the expense of stamps, of summoning the defendants and witnesses, and of other processes, or of procuring copies of documents, fees and charges of counsel and registered attorneys, such just and reasonable charges as appear to have been properly incurred in procuring evidence and the attendance of witnesses, and expenses of commissioners either
in taking evidence or in local investigations, or in investigations into accounts; and all of other expenses of procuring and adducing necessary evidence.

When disposing of any application or action under this Ordinance, whether of regular or of summary procedure, the court may, unless elsewhere in this Ordinance otherwise directed, give to either party, the costs of such application or action, or may reserve the consideration of such costs for any future stage of the proceedings. The court may in its order, fix the amount of the costs of such application or action, so however, that the amount so fixed shall not be less than fifty per centum of the amount of costs that may be given in an application or action of that category, at such rates as may be prescribed for the purposes of

section 214, and not more than two hundred per centum of the amount of costs that may be given in an application or action of that category, at such rates as may be prescribed for the purposes of section 214. Any order for the payment of costs only, is a decree for money within the provisions of section 194 as to payments by instalments.

Court shall direct by whom costs are be paid and estimate value in certain cases.

[6,14 of 1997] Court may apportion costs.

[7,14 of 1997]

Set-off costs.

Court may give

interest on costs.

[7,53 of 1980]

[8,14 of 1997]

210. The decree or order shall direct by whom, the costs of each party are to be paid, and whether in whole or in what part or proportion. The court shall, in decrees entered in such classes of action as are prescribed, give its estimate of the value of the action, and such

estimate shall be deemed to be the value of the action, for the purposes of applying the rates prescribed for the purposes of section 214, to that action.

211.

(1): The court shall have full power to give and apportion costs of every application and action in any manner it thinks fit, and the fact that the court has no jurisdiction to try the case is no bar to the exercise of such power: Provided that if the court directs that the costs of any application or action shall not follow the event, the court shall state its reasons in writing.
(2): Without prejudice to the generality of the powers of the court under subsection (1), the court may give costs to a party, in the case of any frivolous or vexatious action or application or defence by the other party or in the case of expense to such party, occasioned by the delay or default of the other party or by the making of any unnecessary or unreasonable application by the other party, so however, that the costs so ordered shall in no case exceed five hundred per centum of the costs that may be ordered in an application or action of that category, at the rates prescribed for the purposes of section

214.

The court may direct that the costs of payable to one party by another shall be set off against a sum which is admitted or is found in the action to be due from the former to the
latter. But such direction shall not affect the lien upon the amount decreed of any registered attorney in respect of the costs payable to him under the decree.

The court may give interest on costs at the legal rate per annum as specified in section 192 of the Ordinance, calculated from the date of the decree, and may direct that

costs, with or without interest, be paid out of, or charged upon, the subject matter of the action.

Costs to be taxed. _{₂₁₄_.}

All bills of costs, whether between party and parties, or between registered attorney

[9,14 of 1997]

and client, shall be taxed by the Registrar of the court in either case according to such rates

Action for costs by registered attorney.

Registered attorney to bear costs of taxation in what case.

as may be prescribed. If either party is dissatisfied with this taxation, the matter in dispute shall be referred to the court for its decision, and the decision of the court (except when it is the decision of the Court of Appeal) he liable to an appeal to the Court of Appeal.

No registered attorney shall commence or maintain any action for the recovery of any fees, charges, or disbursements at law until the expiration of one month or more after he shall have delivered unto the party charged therewith, or left with him at his dwelling house or last known place of abode, a bill of such fees, charges and disbursements subscribed by such registered attorney. And after such delivery or service thereof, either the registered attorney or party charged therewith may obtain an appointment from the taxing officer for the taxation thereof; and if either party shall fail to attend, and the taxing officer is satisfied that
such party has received due notice of the appointment, the taxation shall proceed in his absence.

If more than one-sixth of the amount of any bill of costs is disallowed by the taxing officer, the registered attorney shall bear the expense of taxation.

CHAPTER XXII OF EXECUTIONS

Classification of

217. A decree or order of court may command the person against whom it operates-

decrees.

(A): to pay money;
(B): to deliver movable property;
(C): to yield up possession of immovable property;

Power of creditor to seize and sell debtor's property in satisfaction decree for payment of money.

(D): to grant, convey, or otherwise pass from himself any right to, or interest in, any property;
(E): to do any act not falling under any one of the foregoing heads; or it may enjoin that person
(F): not to do a specified act, or to abstain from specified conduct or behaviour; or it may, without affording any substantive relief or remedy
(G): declare a right or status. And the method of procedure to be followed, when necessary, by the person party to the action in whose favour the decree or order is made, hereinafter called the "decree-holder" or "judgment-creditor ", in order to enforce satisfaction or execution of the decree in each case respectively by the person party to the action against whom the decree is made, hereinafter called " the judgment-debtor ", is that which is next hereinafter specified according to the above distinguishing heads.

EXECUTION OF DECREE TO PAY MONEY

218. When the decree falls under head (A) and is unsatisfied, the judgment-creditor has the power to seize, and to sell or realize in money by the hands of the Fiscal, except as hereinafter mentioned, all saleable property, movable or immovable, belonging to the judgment-debtor, or over which or the profits of which the judgment-debtor has a disposing power, which he may exercise for his own benefit, and whether the same be held by or in the name of the judgment-debtor or by another person in trust for him or on his behalf; Provided that the following shall not be liable to such seizure or sale, namely-

Excepted (a) the necessary wearing apparel, beds, and bedding of the judgment-property. debtor, or of his wife and children;

(b): tools, utensils, and implements of trade or business, and, where the judgment-debtor is an agriculturist, his implements of husbandry and such cattle and seed grain as may in the opinion of the court be necessary to enable him to earn his livelihood as such; and such quantity of paddy as may, in the opinion of the court, be necessary for the purpose of providing for the support of himself and his family until the next harvest;
(c): professional instruments and library necessary for the carrying on of the judgment-debtor's profession or business to the value of one thousand rupees;
(d): books of accounts;
(e): mere rights to sue for damages;
(f): any right of personal service;
(g): the stipend, the cost of living allowance and the special living allowance of a naval, military, air force, civil or political pensioner of the Government;

[35,20 of 1977] (h) so much of the salary and allowances of a state officer as does not in the aggregate exceed five hundred rupees per month;

(i): the pay and allowances of persons to whom the articles of war apply;
(j): the wages of labourers and domestic servants;
(k): an expectancy of succession by survivorship or other merely contingent or possible right of interest;
(l): a right to future maintenance and all maintenance, alimony and costs ordered in matrimonial suits or maintenance actions;
(m): so much of the salary or wages and allowances of an employee other than a state officer as does not in the aggregate exceed five hundred rupees per month;
(n): any house which is not mortgaged as security for the payment of the whole or part of the sum referred to in such decree and which is the actual residence of the judgment-debtor at the time of the execution of such decree and has been such residence from the time of the institution of the action in which such decree has been entered together with such extent of land appurtenant thereto as the court may consider necessary for its enjoyment;
(o): the amount standing to the credit of an employee's individual account in the Employees' Provident Fund established under the Employees' Provident Fund Act, or in any other provident fund established for the benefit of

employees in any employment.

Examination of judgment-debtor as to debts owing to him.

Application need not to be supported by affidavit Costs.

Execution of decree against legal representative of a deceased person.

Seizure and sale to be effected under order of court. Application therefor.

Explanation The particulars mentioned in clauses (g), (h), (i), (j), (m) and (o) are exempt from sequestration or sale, whether before or after they are actually payable.

219.

(1): The party entitled to enforce any decree for the recovery or payment money may apply to the court for an order that the debtor (or, in the case of a him. corporation, that any officer thereof) be orally examined before the court on oath or affirmation, as to whether any and what debts are owing to the debtor, and whether the debtor has any and what other property or means of satisfying the decree; and the court may thereon make an order for the attendance and examination on oath or affirmation of such debtor or of any other person whom it thinks necessary, and for the production by such debtor or person of any books or documents.
(2): If a debtor for whose attendance an order has been made under this section fails to comply with such order, the court may, on its own motion or on the application of the party entitled to enforce the decree, issue a warrant for the arrest of such debtor: Provided the court may make it a condition of the issue of such warrant that the person applying for it shall deposit such sum as the court may deem reasonable for the subsistence of the debtor from the time of his arrest until he can be brought before the court, and for the purpose of defraying any other expenditure that may be incurred in executing such warrant.

It shall not be necessary to support any such application by affidavits of the applicant's
belief that any debts are owing to the debtor, or that he has any other property or means of satisfying the decree.

The costs of any such application and of any proceedings arising there out or incidental thereto shall be in the discretion of the court.

222.

(1): If the decree is against a party as the legal representative of a deceased person, and is for money to be paid out of the property of the deceased, it may be executed by the attachment and sale of any such property in the hands or under the control of the party against whom the decree is made.
(2): If no such property can be found, and the judgment-debtor fails to satisfy the court that he has duly applied such property of the deceased as is proved to have come into his possession, the decree may be executed against the judgment-debtor to the extent of the property not duly applied by him, in the same manner as if the decree had been against him personally.
(3): An application to execute a decree against the judgment-debtor as provided in subsection (2) shall be made, by petition supported by affidavit of the judgment- creditor setting out the material facts, to which application the judgment-debtor shall be made respondent. The court shall after inquiry, if satisfied that the decree should be executed against the judgment-debtor personally, grant such application.

For the purpose of effecting the required seizure and sale in any case the Fiscal must
be put in motion by application for execution of decree to the court which made the decree sought to be enforced.

The application for execution of the decree shall be in writing, signed by the applicant or his registered attorney, and shall contain the following particulars :

the number of the action;
the names of the parties;
the date of the decree;
whether any appeal has been preferred from the decree;
whether any, and what, adjustment of the matter in dispute has been made between the parties subsequently to the decree;
whether any, and what previous applications have been made for execution of the decree, and with what result, including the dates and amounts of previous levies, if any;
the amount of the debt or compensation, with the interest, if any, due upon the decree, or other relief granted thereby;
the amount of costs, if any, awarded;
the name of the person against whom the enforcement of the decree is sought;
the mode in which the assistance of the court is required, whether by the delivery of property specifically decreed, by the arrest and imprisonment of the person named in the application, or by the attachment of his property, or otherwise as the nature of the relief sought may require.

Court to satisfy

225.

itself as to (1) Upon the application for execution of the decree being made, the court conformity &c shall satisfy itself by reference, if necessary, to the record of the action in application. When which the decree or order sought to be executed was passed, that the application should application is substantially in conformity with the foregoing directions, and that be refused by the the applicant is entitled to obtain execution of the decree or order which is the court.

subject of the application. If the court is not satisfied in these respects it shall refuse to entertain the application, unless and until amended in the particulars in which the court considers it faulty and defective, and with the view to its being so amended the court shall point out these particulars to the applicant; Provided that the court may make the requisite amendment then and there, if it is consented to by the applicant and is such as to admit of being conveniently so affected; and Provided further that every such amendment shall be attested by the signature of the Judge making it.

(2) In the event of the court refusing to entertain the application, the order of refusal, stating the date both of the application and of the order, and the name of the applicant, and specifying the grounds of refusal, shall be endorsed on the application, and the same shall be filed of record in the action.

Writ of (3) If the court is satisfied in the respects above indicated, it shall direct a writ execution. of execution to issue to the Fiscal in the form No. 43 in the First Schedule.

Duties of Fiscal

226.

on receiving writ.

(1): Upon receiving the writ, the Fiscal or his deputy, or other officer, shall within forty-eight hours after delivery to him of the same, if the debtor shall be a person residing within five miles of the office of the Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal-or if residing beyond five miles, within an additional forty-eight hours for every five miles or part thereof-repair to his dwelling house or place of residence and there require him, if present, to pay the amount of the writ.
(2): If by reason of the debtor's absence no demand for the payment is made, or, in the event of any such demand, when made not being complied with, the Fiscal shall forthwith proceed to seize and sell, or otherwise realize in money, such unclaimed property of the judgment-debtor as may be pointed out and surrendered to him for the purpose by the judgment-debtor, or in default thereof such property of the Judgment-debtor as may be pointed out by the judgment-creditor, or such property as is specified in the writ according to the rules next hereinafter contained: Provided that when the debtor is out of Sri Lanka it shall not be necessary to require him to pay the amount of the writ before the execution is carried into effect.

Mode of Seizure

Seizure of

227. If the property sought to be seized and sold, or otherwise realized in satisfaction of the

movable property

decree to be executed is movable property in the possession of the judgment-debtor, other

in possession of debtor to be manual. Disposal of property seized until sale.

As to attachment of negotiable instrument.

Seizure of debts, shares, and movable property not in possession of debtor and not deposited in court to be by written notice of prohibition.

than the property mentioned in the first proviso to section 218, the seizure shall be manual. The Fiscal, Deputy Fiscal, or other officer may at his discretion permit the owner or possessor of the property or the writ-holder to take charge of the property until the time of sale, on giving security to the satisfaction of such officer that he will in the meantime safely and securely keep the same; or such officer may upon the necessary expenses therefor being advanced or secured to him by the debtor or the writ-holder, keep the property in his own custody or in the custody of one of his subordinates, or cause the same to be removed to some fit place of security. If such security is not given or such expenses are not advanced or secured, the Fiscal, Deputy Fiscal, or other officer shall make a special return thereof to the court, and shall not be responsible for the due custody of the property so seized. The expenses of keeping the property in such custody or of removing the same when certified by the Fiscal shall, if not paid by the debtor, be a first charge on the proceeds of the property seized or sequestered, provided that the court may, if it thinks fit, reduce the amount of expenses so certified as aforesaid: Provided that when the property seized is Proviso as to subject to speedy and natural decay, or perishable property. when the expense of keeping it in custody will exceed its value, the Fiscal may sell it at once. The Fiscal, Deputy Fiscal, or other officer may at his discretion permit the owner or possessor of the property or the writ-holder to take charge of the property until the time of sale, on giving security to the satisfaction of such officer that he will in the meantime safely and securely keep the same; or such officer may upon the necessary expenses therefor being advanced or secured to him by the debtor or the writ-holder, keep the property in his own custody or in the custody of one of his subordinates, or cause the same to be removed to some fit place of security. If such security is not given or such expenses are not advanced or secured, the Fiscal, Deputy Fiscal, or other officer shall make a special return thereof to the court, and shall not be responsible for the due custody of the property so seized. The expenses of keeping the property in such custody or of removing the same when certified by the Fiscal shall, if not paid by the debtor, be a first charge on the proceeds of the property seized or sequestered, provided that the court may, if it thinks fit, reduce the amount of expenses so certified as aforesaid: Provided that when the property seized is Proviso as to subject to speedy and natural decay, or perishable property. when the expense of keeping it in custody will exceed its value, the Fiscal may sell it at once.

If the property is a negotiable instrument not deposited in a court, nor in the custody of
a public officer, the instrument shall be seized and brought into court and held subject to the further orders of the court.

In the case of

a debt not secured by a negotiable instrument,
a share in the capital of any public company or corporation,

(iii) other movable property not in the possession of the judgment-debtor, except property deposited in, or in the custody of, any court, or in the custody of a public officer,

the sequestration or seizure shall be made by a written notice signed by the Fiscal, prohibiting

(a): in the case of the debt, the creditor from recovering the debt, and the debtor from making payment thereof until the further order of the court from which the writ of execution authorizing the seizure issues;
(b): in the case of the share, the person in whose name the share may be standing from transferring the same or receiving any dividend thereon ;
(c): in the case of the other movable property except as aforesaid, the person in possession of the same from giving it over to the judgment-debtor.

A copy of such order shall be affixed to some conspicuous part of the court-house, and another copy of the same shall be delivered or sent by post, in the case of the debt to the debtor, in the case of the share to the proper officer of the company or corporation, and in the case of the other movable property (except as aforesaid) to the person in possession of the same.

Judgment-debtor's debtor may be summoned, or execution may issue against him.

Payment by him to be discharge as against judgment-debtor.

Seizure of property deposited in any court. Question of priority.

Notice by Fiscal.

Seizure of a money decree in favour of judgment-debtor.

230.

(1): A debtor prohibited under clause (a) of last preceding section may, upon the application of the judgment-creditor, be summoned by the court to show cause, on a day fixed in the summons, why he should not pay to the judgment-creditor the debt due from him to the judgment-debtor, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to satisfy the judgment. If such debtor does not dispute the debt due or claimed to be due from him, and fails within such time as may be allowed him by the court to pay into court the amount due from him to the judgment-debtor, or an amount equal to the judgment, or if he does not appear upon summons, then the court may order execution to issue, and it may issue accordingly, to levy the amount due from such debtor, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to satisfy the judgment.
(2): The costs of any application and of any proceedings arising from, or incidental to, any such application as aforesaid shall be in the discretion of the court.

231. Payment made by, or execution levied upon, such debtor in manner him to be a provided in the last preceding section shall against be a valid discharge to him as against the

judgment-debtor to the amount paid or levied, although such proceeding may be set aside or the judgment in respect of which any payment or levy is made may be reversed.

232.

(1): If the property is deposited in, or in the custody of, any court or public officer, the seizure shall be made by a notice to such court or officer, requesting that such property and any interest or dividend becoming payable thereon may be held subject to the further orders of the court from which the writ of execution authorizing the seizure issues : Provided that, if such property is deposited in, or is in the custody of, a court, title or any question of title or priority arising between the judgment-creditor and any other person, not being the judgment-debtor, claiming to be interested in such property by virtue of any assignment, attachment, or otherwise, shall be determined by such court.
(2): Upon such notice being received by any court a memorandum thereof shall be made in the journal of the action in which or to the credit of any party to which, the money is deposited, or is in the custody of the court.

Explanation Money in an appropriate bank account to the credit of an action, or to the credit of any party to an action, is within the meaning of this section, money deposited in, or in the custody of, the court in which the action is.

233. The notice necessary to effect seizure under section 229 and 232 may be signed and served by the Fiscal under the authority of the writ of execution alone.

234.

(1): If the property is a decree for money passed in favour of the judgment-debtor by the court which passed the decree sought to be executed, the seizure shall be made by an order of the court directing the proceeds of the former decree to be applied in satisfaction of the latter decree.

sought to be executed.

Seizure of any other decrees.

Alienation by debtor subsequent to seizure void as against claims enforceable under seizure. Seizure of immovable by written notice of prohibition.

Effect of publication of seizure and registration of notice of seizure.

When seizure must be ordered to be withdrawn.

List to be made of property seized.

Claims to property seized to be reported by Fiscal and investigated by court.

In the case of all other decrees the seizure shall be made by an order of the court which passed the decree sought to be executed to the holder of the decree sought to be seized, prohibiting him from transferring or charging the same in any way, and when such decree has been passed in any other court, also by sending to such court a like notice in writing to abstain from executing the decree sought to be seized until such notice is cancelled
by the court from which it was sent. Every court receiving such notice shall give effect to the same until it is so cancelled.

When a seizure of any negotiable instrument, debt, share, money, decree or any other movable property has been effected and made known in manner hereinbefore provided, any private alienation of the property seized, whether by sale, gift, mortgage, or otherwise, and any payment of the debt or dividend or delivery of the share to the judgment-debtor during

the continuance of the seizure, shall be void as against all claims enforceable under the seizure.

237.

(1) If the property is immovable, the seizure shall be made by a notice signed by the Fiscal prohibiting the judgment- debtor from transferring or charging the property in any way, and all persons from receiving the same from him by purchase, gift, or otherwise.

Publication of (2) The notice shall specify the parties to the action, the judgment-debtor, the

such notice . dates of judgment and seizure, and the name, situation, and boundaries of the land seized, and shall be proclaimed at some place on or adjacent to such property by beat of tom-tom or other customary mode, and a copy of the notice shall be affixed by the Fiscal to a conspicuous part of the property and of the court-house and of the Fiscal's office. But in no case shall the Fiscal enter upon actual possession of the immovable property so seized, or receive the rents and profits thereof, unless expressly directed so to do by order made under Chapter I.

When a seizure of immovable property is effected under a writ of execution and made known as provided by section 237 and notice of the seizure is registered before the 1st day of January, 1928, in the book formerly kept under section 237 or is registered on or after the 1st day of January, 1928, under the Registration of Documents Ordinance, any sale, conveyance, mortgage, lease, or disposition of the property seized, made after the seizure and registration of the notice of seizure and while such registration remains in force is void as
against a purchaser from the Fiscal selling under the writ of execution and as against all persons deriving title under or through the purchaser.

If the amount decreed with costs and all charges and expenses resulting from the seizure of any property is paid into court, or if satisfaction of the decree is otherwise made
through the court, or if the decree is set aside or reversed, an order shall be issued on the application of any person interested in the property, for the withdrawal of the seizure.

As soon as any property shall be seized by the Fiscal, Deputy Fiscal, or other officer, a list of such property shall forthwith be made and signed by himself or the person seizing the same, and shall be given to the judgment-debtor and to any person claiming to be in

possession of the property seized, and copies thereof shall be also deposited in the Fiscal's office and annexed to the return to the writ.

Claims to Property seized

241. In the event of any claim being preferred to, or objection offered against the seizure or sale of, any immovable or movable property which may have been seized in execution of a decree or under any order passed before decree, as not liable to be sold, the Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal shall, as soon as the same is preferred or offered, as the case may be, report the same to the court which passed such decree or order; and the court shall thereupon

proceed in a summary manner to investigate such claim or objection with the like power as regards the examination of the claimant or objector, and in all other respects, as if he were a Claim to be made at earliest opportunity.

Claimant to adduce evidence.

Discretion of court to release the property claimed.

When may court disallow the claim.

Court may continue seizure subject to mortgage or lien. Action by party claiming right.

Punishment as well as damages may be awarded for groundless claim.

Seizure of partnership property for debt of partner, other partner may apply for release.

party to the action; Provided always that when any such claim or objection is preferred or offered in the case of any property so seized outside the local limits of the jurisdiction of the court which passed the decree or order under which such seizure is made, such report shall be made to, and such investigation shall thereupon be held by, the court of the district or division within the local limits of which such seizure was made, and the proceedings on such report and investigation with the order thereon shall, at the expiry of the appealable time, if no appeal has been within that time taken therefrom, but if an appeal has been taken, immediately upon the receipt by such court of the judgment or order in appeal, be forwarded by such court to the court which passed the decree or order, and shall be and become part of the record in the action; Provided, further, that in every such case the court to which such report is made shall be nearer to the place of seizure than, and of co-ordinate jurisdiction with, the court which passed the decree or order.

The claim or objection shall be made at the earliest opportunity, and if the property to which the claim or objection applies shall have been advertised for sale, the sale may (if it appears to the court necessary) be postponed for the purpose of making the investigation mentioned in section 241: Provided that no such investigation shall be made if it appears to the court that the making of
the claim or objection was designedly and unnecessarily delayed with a view to obstruct the ends of justice.

The claimant or objector must on such investigation adduce evidence to show that at the date of the seizure he had some interest in, or was possessed of, the property seized.

If upon the said investigation the court is satisfied that, for the reason stated in the claim or objection such property was not, when seized, in the possession of the judgment-debtor, or of some person in trust for him or in the occupancy of a tenant or other person paying rent to him, or that being in the possession of the judgment-debtor at such time, it was so in his possession, not on his own account or as his own property, but on account of or in trust for some other person, or partly on his own account and partly on account of some other person, the court shall release the property wholly, or to such extent as it thinks fit, from
seizure and make such order as to payment of fees and charges already incurred by the Fiscal as it may deem fit.

If the court is satisfied that the property was, at the time it was seized, in possession of the judgment-debtor as his own property, and not on account of any other person or was in
the possession of some other person, in trust for him, or in the occupancy of a tenant or other person paying rent to him, the court shall disallow the claim.

If the court is satisfied that the property is subject to a mortgage or lien in favour of
some person not in possession, seizure subject and thinks fit to continue the sequestration or seizure, it may do so subject to such mortgage or lien.

The party against whom an order under section 244, 245, or 246 is passed may institute an action within fourteen days from the date of such order to establish the right which he claims to the property in dispute, or to have the said property declared liable to be
sold in execution of the decree in his favour ; subject to the result of such action, if any, the order shall be conclusive.

Whenever it shall appear to a competent court, and be so found and declared in any judgment pronounced by it in any action instituted by or against any person claiming any property pointed out or seized in execution, that such claim is altogether groundless, and wilfully preferred only to defeat or delay the execution, every such claimant shall, in addition
to his liability to pay costs and damages, be liable to a fine not exceeding fifty rupees, and such fine shall be recovered as a fine imposed by a court in a criminal case.

When a Fiscal has seized property of a partnership before or after its dissolution, upon a writ of execution against the interest therein of any partner made by virtue of ah execution against his individual property, any other partner or former partner having an interest in the property may, at any time before the sale, apply to the court from which the writ of execution

issued, upon an affidavit showing the facts, for an order directing the Fiscal to release the property and to deliver it to the applicant.

Undertaking to be _{₂₅₀_.}

Upon such an application the applicant must give an undertaking, with at least two

given by applicant.

Undertaking, to whose benefit it.

Interest of judgment- debtor may be sold.

Coin or currency notes to seized how dealt with.

How may decree of court, seized be realized.

Procedure in case of other property sized by fiscal.

Advertisement where property exceeds five thousand rupees in value.

sureties, approved by the Judge, to the effect that he will account to the purchaser upon the sale to be made by virtue of the execution of the interest of the judgment-debtor in the property seized, in like manner as he would be bound to account to an assignee of such an interest; and that he will pay to the purchaser the balance which may be found due upon the accounting, not exceeding a sum specified in the undertaking, which must be not less than the value of the interest of the judgment-debtor in the property seized by the Fiscal as fixed by the Judge.

Where property of a partnership has been released upon an undertaking as prescribed in the last two sections, if the execution by virtue of which the levy was made is set aside or is satisfied without a sale of the interest levied upon, the undertaking ensures to the benefit of each judgment-creditor of the same judgment-debtor then having an execution in the hands
of the Fiscal having authority to levy upon that interest, as if it had been given to obtain a release from a seizure made by virtue of such an execution.

Where property of a partnership has been so released, the interest of the judgment-

debtor therein may be sold by the Fiscal, and the purchaser upon the sale acquires all that interest as if he was an assignee thereof.

Of the Sale and Disposition of the Property seized: (I) Of Sales Generally

If the property seized is coin or currency notes the Fiscal shall deal with it in the
manner hereinafter directed in respect of money received by the Fiscal on the sale of property sold at the execution sale.

When the property seized is a decree of court the judgment-creditor at whose instance the seizure is made shall be deemed the assignee thereof under assignment as of the date of the seizure, made by the person against whom he is executing the writ of execution, so far as
that person's interest extends, and he may realize the decree in the manner hereinafter provided for the execution of a decree by an assignee thereof.

In the case of all other property seized by the Fiscal he shall proceed to the sale thereof in the manner following :Notice of sale I.-In all cases of movable property the Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal shall cause : I. - For notice of sale thereof to be given by beat of tom-tom or in such other manner movable as to secure publicity thereto, both at the place of sale and also where the property. seizure shall have been made, and such notice shall not be less than three days and not exceeding fourteen days before the day of sale, unless the time

be enlarged by any order of court, and shall specify, as fairly and accurately as under the circumstances is reasonably practicable

(a): the property to be sold ;
(b): the action in which, and
(c): the place, and
(d): day, and
(e): hour at which the sale is to take place;
(f): the amount of money for the levy of which the writ issued.

II.-For II.-In all cases of immovable property the like notice of sale shall be given as immovable is hereinbefore required in sales of movable property, and the Fiscal, Deputy property. Fiscal, or other officer shall also cause to be made three copies of the notice

[36,20 of 1977] of sale in the language of the court, and, where the language of the court is also Tamil, three translations into that language, one of each of which he shall cause to be posted at the court-house whence the execution issued, in some conspicuous part of the town or village in which the land is situate, and on some conspicuous spot on the property for sale, each of which publications shall be made ten days at the least before such sale takes place.

256. Whenever the property seized under one writ shall exceed the value of five thousand rupees, the Fiscal, Deputy Fiscal or other officer shall, in addition to the notice hereinbefore required, advertise the sale thereof, enumerating briefly the goods for sale, the nature and

situation of the land, and the time and place of the sale, in a local daily newspaper or in such other manner as the court may direct having regard to the value of the property and other

[37,20 of 1977]

Proceedings at the sale.

Court may in certain cases postpone sale.

Deposit by purchaser.

Payment in full.

Default in payment, consequence of.

relevant circumstances; and no such sale shall take place until it shall have been so advertised once at least twenty days prior to the sale. It shall be lawful to the execution-creditor or debtor to require the publication of such sale to be made in any newspaper to be named by him, and all costs and charges attending such advertisements, particulars of which shall be always given by the Fiscal with his return, shall be paid in advance by the party requiring such publication. [Section 257 is repealed by Law No. 20 of 1977]

258. Every sale shall be held by an officer of the Fiscal, or some other person duly authorized by the Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal by writing under his hand. When the proceeds do not exceed the sum of seven thousand five hundred rupees, the Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal shall recover a fee of three per centum on the proceeds actually recovered on return thereof made to the court in respect of every sale and resale of movable property, and two per centum on the proceeds of sale of immovable property belonging to the debtor. When the proceeds, whether of movable or immovable property, exceed that sum, the Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal shall recover a fee of one hundred and fifty rupees and of five rupees for every thousand rupees of the proceeds over and above the said sum of seven thousand five hundred rupees. And in every case after the seizure of property and publication of sale thereof, in which the sale shall be postponed or stayed at the request or with the concurrence of the party suing out the writ, the Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal shall recover half of the above fees on the estimated value of such property from the party at whose instance the writ shall be stayed, and in default of immediate payment thereof the Fiscal shall certify the amount of such fees to the court whence the execution issued : Provided, however, that such fee shall never exceed fifty rupees or the actual expenditure already incurred by the Fiscal towards carrying out the sale, whichever sum shall be the

larger. The fees recovered under this section shall be brought to account and appropriated in such manner as the Secretary to the Treasury shall from time to time direct.

259.

(1): If at any time prior to the sale of immovable property seized in execution the judgment-debtor can satisfy the court that there is reason to believe that the amount of the decree and of any unsatisfied judgment then in force against him may be raised by mortgage, or lease, or private sale of such property, or some part thereof, or of any other immovable property of the judgment-debtor, the court may on his application postpone the sale of such property for such period as it thinks proper to enable him to raise the amount, and shall make such order as to the payment of fees and charges due to the Fiscal as it may deem fit.
(2): In such case the court shall grant a certificate to the judgment-debtor, authorizing him, within a period to be mentioned therein, and notwithstanding anything contained in section 238, to make the proposed mortgage, lease, or sale; Provided that all moneys payable under such mortgage, lease, or sale shall be paid into court and not to the judgment-debtor ; Provided also that no mortgage, lease, or sale under this section shall become absolute until it has been confirmed by the court.

On every sale of immovable property under this Chapter the person declared to be the purchaser shall pay immediately after such declaration, in every case where the price does not exceed one hundred rupees, the full amount of, but in every other case a deposit of
twenty-five per centum on the amount of his purchase money to the officer conducting the sale, and in default of such deposit the property shall forthwith be put up again for sale.

Where the price exceeds one hundred rupees the balance amount of the purchase money shall be paid by the purchaser on or before the thirtieth day after the sale of the
property, or if the thirtieth day be a public holiday, then on the first office day after the thirtieth day.

In default of payment within the period mentioned in the last preceding section, the deposit, after defraying the expenses of the sale, shall be forfeited to, and shall go in reduction of the claim of, the Judgment-creditor, and the property shall be resold, and the

defaulting purchaser shall forfeit all claim to the property and to any part of the sum for which it may subsequently be sold.

Fresh notification on resale.

Bid by a cosharer.

Fiscal to satisfy himself as to bona fides of bidder.

Deficiency on resale to be purchaser on Fiscal's certificates.

On highest bidder not making deposit, next highest may be declared purchaser; difference to be paid by highest bidder on Fiscal's certificate.

Forfeiture of deposit.

Differences realized to augment the purchase money.

The amount certified by Fiscal to be recovered as by execution of decree. Cost of notice, publication, or proclamation.

Every resale of immovable property in default of payment of the purchase money
within the period allowed for such payment shall be made after the issue of a fresh notification in the manner and for the period hereinbefore prescribed for the sale.

When the property sold in execution of a decree is a share of undivided immovable property, and two or more persons, of whom one is a co-sharer, respectively advance the
same sum at any bidding at such sale, such bidding shall be deemed to be the bidding of such co-sharer.

The Fiscal or other officer conducting any sale of immovable property under this Chapter may, before accepting any bid at such sale, satisfy himself as to the bona fides of the bidder, and his ability to pay down the amount of deposit required ; and in the event of
his not being so satisfied may refuse to accept any such bid, and shall continue the sale as if no such bid had been made.

The second sale, taking place in consequence of such non-payment of balance of purchase money, shall be made in the manner hereinbefore prescribed for the first sale, and if the amount of the purchase money for which the property is sold at such second sale shall fall short of the amount for which the first sale was concluded, then the first purchaser and his sureties, if any, shall be held liable to pay the Fiscal the amount of this difference, and the Fiscal on non-payment thereof by such purchaser and his sureties within one week after demand made by him upon them respectively in writing, shall certify the amount of the said difference to the court whence the execution issued. And the like course shall be observed in
respect of any subsequent sale rendered necessary by failure in payment of the purchase amount.

If at the sale of immovable property the highest bidder on being declared the purchaser shall not forthwith pay down the amount of deposit required, and give good and sufficient security to the satisfaction of the Fiscal, Deputy Fiscal, or other officer for the payment of the residue, the next highest bidder may be thereupon declared the purchaser, and required to make such deposit and security as aforesaid ; and in the same manner the other bidders in rotation ; and each person failing to make such deposit and to give security as aforesaid may be held liable to pay the difference between the amount of his offer and the sum finally settled at the sale, and the Fiscal, on non-payment thereof by such persons respectively within one week after demand made by him upon them in writing, shall certify the amount of the said difference in each case to the court whence the execution issued: Provided,-however, that in case of default of the highest bidder, instead of declaring the next highest bidder purchaser, the officer holding the sale may forthwith put up the property for
sale anew, or adjourn the sale, in which latter case the property shall again be advertised as before.

If the price for which the property is finally sold at the second or any subsequent sale is not less than that of the first sale, then the money deposited by the purchaser at the first and other sales which preceded the final sale shall be paid to the execution-creditor in satisfaction pro tanto of the judgment; and in the event of such judgment being so satisfied,
and any surplus remaining, such surplus shall, after deducting any expenses consequent on the sale, be paid to the judgment-debtor.

The differences between the biddings of any person failing to make the deposit and give the security required by section 267 and the sum finally settled at any such sale and between the amount of the final sale and those of previous sales shall, when realized, be
paid by the Fiscal into the Government Agent's office in augmentation of the purchase money of the final sale.

The amount certified by the Fiscal to be payable to him for half fees under the provisions of section 258 and the amounts of the differences certified by the Fiscal and directed to be reported to the court by sections 266 and 267 shall, in the case of such half fees at the instance of the Fiscal and in the case of such differences respectively at the instance either of the Fiscal, or of the judgment-creditor, or of the judgment-debtor, be recoverable from the persons declared in those sections to be liable to pay the same, in the same way as if the certificate were a decree for money passed by the court to which it is returned against those persons; and the cost (to be fixed by the court) of any notice,

publication, or proclamation required under any of the provisions of this Ordinance to be given or made by the Fiscal by beat of tom-tom or in any other manner whatsoever, shall in every instance, where provision for the payment thereof is not otherwise specially made, be prepaid by the person at whose instance or in whose interest the same is required.

No officer conducting sale to bid.

Holder of decree may be or purchase.

Place of sale of immovable property.

Sale of a negotiable instrument or a share in any public company . Sale of other movable property.

What may vitiate sale.

Delivery to purchaser.

Delivery where third party is in possession.

Delivery of unsecured debt or share.

Endorsement of negotiable instrument or share certificate.

271. No officer having any duty to perform in connection with any sale under this Chapter

shall either by himself or another bid for, acquire, or attempt to acquire any interest in any property sold at such sale.

272.

(1) A holder of a decree in execution of which property is sold may, with the previous sanction 01 and subject to such terms as to credit being given him by the Fiscal and otherwise as may be imposed by the court, bid for or purchase the property.

And purchase (2) When a decree-holder purchases, the purchase money and the amount money may be due on the decree may, if the court thinks fit, be set off against one another, set off against and the court in execution of whose decree the sale is made may enter up decree. satisfaction of the decree in whole or in part accordingly.

273. In all cases the sale of immovable property shall be conducted on the spot, unless the

court shall otherwise direct, or unless on application in writing to the Fiscal or his deputy the parties shall consent to its being conducted elsewhere.

(2) Of Sales of Movable Property

274. If the property to be sold is a negotiable instrument or a share in any public company

or corporation, the court may direct the Fiscal, instead of selling it by public auction, to make the sale of such instrument or share through a broker at the market rate of the day.

275.

(1): In the case of other movable property, the price shall be paid at the time of sale, and in default of payment the property shall forthwith be again put up for sale.
(2): On payment of the purchase money, the officer holding the sale shall grant a receipt for the same, and the sale shall become absolute.

No irregularity in publishing or conducting the sale of movable property shall vitiate the sale unless substantial damage has been caused to the person impeaching the sale thereby.
When the property sold is a negotiable instrument or other movable property of which actual seizure has been made, the property shall be delivered to the purchaser.

When the property sold is any movable property to which the judgment- debtor is entitled, subject to a right of possession of some other person, the delivery thereof to the
purchaser shall be made by giving notice to the person in possession prohibiting him from delivering possession of the property to any person except the purchaser.

When the property sold is a debt not secured by a negotiable instrument, or is a share in any public company or corporation, the assignment thereof shall be made by a certificate of sale in favour of the purchaser signed by the Fiscal, who shall forthwith, by a written notice, prohibit the creditor from receiving the debt or any interest thereon, and the debtor from making payment thereof to any person except the purchaser, or the person in whose name the share may be standing from making any transfer of the share to any person except the purchaser, or receiving payment of any dividend or interest thereon, and the manager,

secretary, or other proper officer of the company from permitting any such transfer or making any such payment to any person except the purchaser.

280.

(1) If the endorsement or conveyance of the party in whose name a negotiable instrument or a share in any public company or corporation is standing is required to transfer such instrument or share, the Judge may endorse the instrument or the certificate of the share, or may execute such other document as may be necessary. The endorsement or execution shall be in the following form or to the like effect:- " A. B. by C. D.. Judge of the District Court of (or as the case may be), in an action by E. F. against A. B."

In case of other movable property court may make vesting order.

Sale not absolute until after thirty days and confirmation by court.

Order confirming the sale.

When purchaser may apply to set aside sale.

When purchaser may get back his purchase money.

(2) Until the transfer of such instrument or share the court may, by order, appoint some person to receive any interest or dividend due thereon, and to sign a receipt for the same; and any endorsement made, or document executed, or receipt signed as aforesaid, shall be as valid and effectual for all purposes as if the same had been made, or executed, or signed by the party himself.

281. In the case of any movable property not hereinbefore provided for, the court may

make an order and execute such document as may be necessary vesting such property in the purchaser, or as he may direct; and such property shall vest accordingly.

(3) Of Sales of Immovable Property

282.

(1) The Fiscal shall report to the court every sale of immovable property made by him or under his direction within ten days after the same shall have been made. And no sale of immovable property; shall become absolute until thirty days have elapsed subsequent to the receipt of such report, and until such sale has been confirmed by the court.

and may be (2) The decree-holder, or any person whose immovable property has been set aside for sold under this Chapter, or any person establishing to the satisfaction of the material court an interest in such property, may apply by petition to the court to set irregularity. aside the sale on the ground of a material irregularity in publishing or

conducting it; but no sale shall be set aside on the ground of irregularity unless the applicant proves to the satisfaction of the court that he has sustained substantial injury by reason of such irregularity, and unless the grounds of the irregularity shall have been notified to the court within thirty days of the receipt of the Fiscal's report.

(3) In every such application the purchaser shall be made respondent to the petition.

283.

(1) If no such application as is mentioned in the last preceding section is made within the thirty days, or if such application is made and the objection disallowed, the court shall at any time after the expiration of the thirty days, on the application of the decree-holder or of the purchaser, pass an order confirming the sale as regards the parties to the suit and the purchaser: Provided that no order confirming the sale shall be made if it appear to the court that the judgment-debt was satisfied at the time that the writ of execution issued.

Order setting (2) If such application is made, and if the objection is allowed, the court shall aside the sale. pass an order setting aside the sale.

284. The purchaser at any such sale may apply to the court by petition on summary procedure to set aside the sale, on the ground that the person whose property purported to be sold had no saleable interest therein, and the court may, on such application, make such order as it thinks fit:

Provided that both the judgment-debtor and the decree-holder are made respondents to the petition.

285.

(1): When a sale of immovable property is set aside under sections 282, 283, or 284, when it is found that the judgment- debtor had no saleable interest in the property which purported to be sold, and the purchaser is for that reason deprived of it, the purchaser shall be entitled to receive back his purchase money from any person to whom the purchase money has been paid.
(2): An order for the repayment of the said purchase money may be made by the court on any application under sections 282, 283 or 284, provided that the person against whom the order is directed is party thereto, and such order may be enforced against such person under the rules provided by this

Ordinance for the execution of a decree for money.

Conveyance to purchaser. Conveyance to contain sufficient map of the premises.

Court may order delivery of possession to purchaser.

Mode of delivery where property is in occupancy of person entitled to occupy.

286. If the court shall have confirmed the sale and the purchaser shall have paid the full amount of the purchase money according to the conditions of sale, and shall have supplied the Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal with stamps of the proper amount required by law for the conveyance of the land sold to him (which stamps he shall be bound to supply when he pays the purchase money in full), and if the sale was not effected in execution of a decree specifically directing the sale, then the Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal shall forthwith make out and execute a conveyance in duplicate of the property according to the form No. 56 in the First Schedule, or such other form, or expressed in such terms, as the court may deem expedient, which conveyance shall be binding and of force, though not executed before a notary public. The Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal shall deliver the original to the purchaser and transmit the duplicate to the Registrar of Lands for the district in which the land is situate, in like manner

as now is or shall be required to be done by notaries in respect of deeds executed before them; and the Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal shall be entitled to recover for such conveyance

(a): when the amount of purchase shall be under thirty rupees, a fee of fifty cents;
(b): when it shall exceed thirty rupees, a fee of one rupee;
(c): when it shall exceed one hundred rupees, a fee of one rupee and fifty cents;
(d): when it shall exceed two hundred rupees, a fee of two rupees and fifty cents; and
(e): when it shall exceed five hundred rupees, a fee of three rupees and seventy-five cents, and no more;

and such fee shall be brought to account and appropriated in such manner as the Secretary to the Treasury shall direct. But if the sale was effected in execution of a decree specifically directing the sale, then the conveyance shall be made in conformity with the directions of the court contained in the decree: Provided, however, that to all conveyances made by the Fiscal to complete a sale effected in execution of a decree of court, in the event of there being no diagram or map of the premises which are the subject of the conveyance already appended to a title deed thereof delivered to the purchaser there shall, if the purchaser so requires but not otherwise, be annexed a sufficient map exhibiting, when possible, some permanent physical feature of the ground; and the purchaser shall pay in advance the expense of preparing it in addition to the fee prescribed for the conveyance. Such diagram or map shall be prepared by a competent surveyor licensed by the Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal for that purpose, and such surveyor shall be an officer of the Fiscal within the meaning of section 325, and shall for the purposes of the Penal Code be deemed to be a public officer.

287.

(1) When the property sold is in the occupancy of the judgment-debtor or of some person on his behalf, or of some person claiming under a title created by the judgment-debtor subsequently to the seizure of such property, and a conveyance in respect thereof has been made to the purchaser under section 286, the court shall on application by the purchaser, order delivery to be made by putting the purchaser or any person whom he may appoint to receive delivery on his behalf in possession of the property, and, if need be, by removing any person bound by the decree who refuses to vacate the same.

Order how to (2) An order for delivery of possession made under this section may be be enforced. enforced as an order falling under head (C) section 217, the purchaser being considered as judgment-creditor.

288. When the property sold is in the occupancy of a tenant or other person entitled to occupy the same, and a conveyance in respect thereof has been made to the purchaser under section 286, the court shall order delivery thereof to be made by affixing a notice of the sale having taken place, in the language of the court, and, where the language of the court is also Tamil, in that language, in some conspicuous place on the property, and proclaiming to

the occupant by beat of tom- tom, or in such other mode as may be customary, at some convenient place, that the interest of the judgment-debtor has been transferred to the purchaser, and the cost (to be fixed by the court) of such proclamation shall in every case be prepaid by the purchaser.

Right and title of judgment-debtor not divested by sale till confirmation and execution of Fiscal's conveyance. Fiscal may enter property sold.

Person in possession may use and enjoy until confirmation of sale.

On confirmation and execution of conveyance, Fiscal to deliver possession to grantee.

Judgment-debtor may be restrained from waste.

Punishment for committing waste.

And for disobeying order.

The right and title of the judgment- debtor or of any person holding under him or deriving title through him to immovable property sold by virtue of an execution is not divested by the sale until the confirmation of the sale by the court and the execution of the Fiscal's conveyance, But if the sale is confirmed by the court and the conveyance is executed in
pursuance of the sale, the grantee in the conveyance is deemed to have been vested with the legal estate from the time of the sale.

The Fiscal, on the day of the sale. or at any time thereafter until the confirmation of the sale by the court and the execution of the Fiscal's conveyance may at his discretion, and if provided with the necessary funds therefor by the purchaser or by the judgment-creditor, or debtor, himself or by his agent duly authorized in writing enter into possession of the immovable property sold by virtue of the execution, and retain possession of the same until
the confirmation of the sale by the court and the execution of the conveyance in pursuance thereof.

The person in possession of immovable property sold by virtue of an execution may,

until the confirmation of the sale by the court and the execution of the Fiscal's conveyance, use and enjoy the same as follows, without being chargeable with committing waste;

(1): He may use it and enjoy it in like manner and for the like purposes as it was used and enjoyed before the sale, doing no permanent injury to the property.
(2): He may make the necessary repairs to a building or other erection thereupon. But this provision does not permit an alteration in the form or structure of the building or other erection.
(3): He may use and improve the land in the ordinary course of husbandry, and may collect, gather, harvest, and store the crops and produce thereof, but shall not be entitled to them.
(4): He may apply any wood or timber on the land to the necessary reparation of a fence, building, or other erection which was thereupon at the time of the sale.

On the sate being confirmed by the court and the conveyance executed in pursuance of the sale, the Fiscal or person in possession of the immovable property sold shall forthwith give possession of the same, together with all the crops and produce (if any) collected, gathered, harvested, and stored subsequent to the sale, to the grantee in the conveyance ; and if the sale is not confirmed, the Fiscal or his agent shall forthwith, if in possession, restore the judgment-debtor or any person holding under him to possession of the immovable
property together with all the crops and produce (if any) collected, gathered, harvested, and stored whilst the Fiscal or his agent was in possession.

If at any time before the execution of the Fiscal's conveyance the judgment- debtor, or any other person in possession of the property sold, commits, or threatens to commit, or makes preparations for committing waste thereupon, the court from which execution issued may, upon the application of the purchaser or his agent or attorney, and proof by affidavit of
the facts, grant, without notice, an order restraining the wrongdoer from committing waste upon the property.

If the person against whom such an order is granted commits waste in violation thereof after the service upon him of the order, the court, upon proof by affidavit of the facts, may
grant an order requiring him to show cause at a time and place therein specified why he should not be punished for a contempt.

If upon the return of the order to show cause it satisfactorily appears that the person

required to show cause has violated the former order, the court may punish him in manner provided by law for the punishment of contempt of court.

Moneys paid to. and realized by, the Fiscal

Mode of payment

296. Whenever any person, whether acting for himself or as an attorney-at-law for any

to court by attorneys-atattorneys-at- law and other persons.

[39,20 of 1977] Mode of payment to court by Fiscal.

[39,20 of 1977]

Issue of warrant for arrest of debtor execution of decree for money.

Issue of notice on debtor as alternative to warrant.

Application for warrant to be other person, has occasion to pay any sum of money into any court to the credit of any case, he shall deposit such sum of money to the credit of such case in the appropriate bank account.

297.

(1): Whenever the Fiscal receives or realizes a sum of money in the course of the execution of a decree or otherwise, he shall issue a receipt for "such sum to the person making payment, and shall forthwith deposit such sum of money to the credit of such case in the appropriate bank account.
(2): In this and the preceding section "appropriate bank account" means the bank account of the court to whose credit or under whose authority such money is paid, received, or realized.

Arrest and Imprisonment

298.

(2): A decree for the payment of costs only shall, for the purposes of the application of the provisions of subsection (1), be deemed to be a decree for the payment of money.

The court may, in its discretion, instead of issuing a warrant under section 298, issue a notice on the judgment-debtor calling upon him to show cause, on a date to be specified in
the notice, why he should not be committed to jail in execution of the decree referred to in that section.

Every application under section 298 shall be made by petition supported by affidavit; and it shall not be necessary to name the judgment-debtor as respondent to any such

made by petition and affidavit. No arrest for sum under Rs. 1,500.

[40,20 of 1977]

Woman not liable to arrest in execution.

Warrant to issue where debtor fails appear on notice.

Execution of warrant of arrest.

Officer effecting arrest to release debtor on payment of amount of decree and costs of arrest. Discharge of debtor where amount of decree and costs of arrest paid into court.

Debtor who has no cause to show to be discharged or committed to Jail. Debtor who has cause to show to be discharged or committed to Jail after inquiry.

Written statement to be filed by debtor who desires to show cause.

application.

No warrant under section 298 or notice under section 299 shall be issued in decree
inclusive of interest, if any, up to the date of the decree but exclusive of any further interest and of costs, is less than one thousand five hundred rupees.

No warrant under section 298 or notice under section 299 shall be issued where the
judgment-debtor is a woman; and no woman shall be arrested or committed to jail in execution of any decree for the payment of money or of costs.

Where a judgment-debtor to whom a notice under section 299 has been issued fails to
appear on the day specified in the debtor fails notice, the court may issue a warrant for his arrest.

Subject to the provisions of Chapter XXIII, a judgment-debtor for whose arrest a warrant has been issued under section 298 or section 303 may be arrested at any hour, and
on any day, and in any place, and shall thereupon, as soon as practicable, be brought before the court,

Where a judgment-debtor who has been arrested on a warrant pays the amount of the
decree in execution of which he is arrested, and the costs of the arrest, to the officer arresting him, such officer shall at once release him from custody.

Where a judgment-debtor is brought before the court after arrest on a warrant or appears in court in pursuance of a notice issued under section 299, and either

pays into court the amount of the decree and, if he has been brought before the court under a warrant, the costs of the arrest, or
gives security for the payment of the same to the satisfaction of the judgment-creditor,

The court shall release him from arrest or discharge him from such notice, as the case may be. If such payment is not made or if such security is not given, the court shall call upon the judgment-debtor to show cause why he should not be committed to jail.

Where the judgment-debtor, on being called upon to show cause under section 306, has no cause to show, the court shall commit him to jail.

Where the Judgment-debtor, on being called upon to show cause under section 306, proves to the satisfaction of the court

that any material allegation of fact, made in the affidavit of the judgment-creditor or given in evidence before the court prior to the issue of the warrant or notice, in consequence of which such warrant or notice was issued, was untrue or incorrect; or
that for any other reason the warrant or notice should not have been issued, or was irregularly issued in the first instance ;

he shall, if under arrest, be released or, if he has appeared on notice, be discharged from such notice; but if he fails or is unable to furnish such proof the court shall commit him to jail. Provided that if, on the date on which the Judgment-debtor is brought or appears before the court, the court is satisfied that a warrant for the arrest of the judgment-debtor may be issued on any ground other than that on which the warrant or notice was issued in the first instance, the court may commit the judgment-debtor to jail.

309. Where a judgment-debtor contends that any material allegation of fact, made in the affidavit of the judgment-creditor or given in evidence before the court prior to the issue of the warrant or notice, is untrue or incorrect, he shall file in court a written statement specifying which of the allegations in such affidavit or in such evidence is impugned as untrue or

incorrect; and where a judgment-debtor contends that the warrant or notice should not have been issued or was irregularly issued, he shall file in court a written statement of the grounds

on which such contention is based.

Debtor to be committed to jail or to give security for appearance pending inquiry.

Issue of warrant of committal to jail. Debtor discharged under section 306 or section 308 not to be rearrested.

Sufficient interim subsistence money to be deposited before arrest.

Subsistence allowance during imprisonment to be fixed on commitment. Allowance to be paid monthly in advance.

Power to vary allowance or additional payments.

310.

(1): Where the judgment-debtor desires to show cause why he should not be committed to jail, the court may appoint a date for an inquiry and may, pending such inquiry, order the judgment-debtor to be detained in prison or take sufficient security from him that he will appear in court when called upon.
(2): A judgment-debtor who is not detained in prison pending the inquiry may be arrested on a warrant issued by the court at any time for the purposes of such inquiry or with a view to his committal to jail.
(3): The inquiry referred to in subsection (1) may be adjourned from time to time by order of the court.

Where a judgment-debtor is committed to Jail, the court shall issue a warrant substantially in the form No. 61 m the First Schedule.

Where a judgment-debtor has been released after arrest on a warrant or discharged from a notice under section 306 or section 308, no further proceedings shall be taken as
hereinbefore provided with a view to the committal to jail of that judgment-debtor in execution of the decree in respect of which such warrant or notice was issued.

No judgment-debtor shall be arrested in execution of a decree unless and until the decree-holder pays into court such sum as the Judge thinks sufficient for the subsistence of the judgment-debtor from the time of his arrest until he can be brought before the court, and,
where the writ is to be executed in another district, such further sum as the Judge thinks sufficient to cover the expenses of his transport to the court issuing the writ.

And when a judgment-debtor is committed to jail in execution of a decree, the court

shall fix for his subsistence such monthly allowance as he may be entitled to at rates to be fixed by order of Government from time to time, as occasion shall require,

315.

(1): The monthly allowance fixed by the court shall be supplied to the Fiscal by the party on whose application the decree has been executed by monthly payments in advance before the first day of each month.
(2): The first payment shall be made for such portion of the current month as remains unexpired before the judgment-debtor is committed to jail.

315A.

(2): Any order made by the court under subsection (1) may at any time be varied or cancelled by the court by a further order, on application made by the Fiscal or by the party on whose application the decree has been executed, and after such inquiry as the court may deem necessary.

Disbursements by decree holder to be deemed costs.

When debtor entitled to be discharged from jail.

Limit of imprisonment.

Endorsement on the warrant.

Application for execution of decree for delivery of movable properly, how to be made. Form of writ. Fiscal to procure delivery thereunder.

(3): The provisions of section 315 shall apply to the monthly allowance as varied under this section, in like manner as those provisions apply to the monthly allowance originally fixed by the court.
(4): Any additional sum for the payment of which an order is made under this section shall be supplied to the Fiscal by the party on whose application the decree has been executed, in the manner and at the time specified in the order of the court.

316. Sums of money disbursed by the decree-holder under section 315 or section 315A shall be deemed to be costs in the action:

Provided that the judgment-debtor shall not be detained in jail or arrested on account of any sum so disbursed ; Provided further, that where at the time of the discharge of the judgment-debtor from jail there remains any unexpended balance out of the sum so disbursed, such balance shall be repaid by the Fiscal to the decree-holder and shall not be deemed to be costs in the action.

317.

(2): A judgment-debtor discharged under this section is not thereby discharged from his debt, but he cannot be rearrested under the decree in execution of which he was imprisoned.

No person shall be imprisoned in execution of a decree for a longer period than six months.
The Fiscal shall endorse upon the warrant of arrest the day on and the manner in which it was executed, and if the latest day specified in the warrant for the return thereof has

been exceeded, the reason of the delay; or if it was not executed, the reason why it was not executed, and shall return the warrant with such endorsement to the court.

(B) DECREES FOR DELIVERY OF MOVABLE PROPERTY

320. If the decree is for any specific movable or for any share in a specific movable, application to the court for execution of the decree by seizure and delivery may be made by the judgment- creditor in the manner and according to the rules prescribed for execution of decrees under head (A) so far as the same are applicable; and if the court on such

application is satisfied that the judgment- creditor is entitled to obtain execution of the decree, it shall direct a writ of execution to issue to the Fiscal in the form No. 62 in the First Schedule.

321.

(1) Upon receiving the writ the Fiscal or his officer shall as soon as reasonably may be repair to the dwelling house or place of residence of the judgment-debtor, and there showing him the writ shall demand delivery of the movable or, if practicable, the share thereof specified therein, and on his failing to comply with his demand, the Fiscal or his officer shall, if possible, seize the said specific movable or share thereof, and deliver the same to the Judgment-creditor or to the person authorized by him to receive it.

Amount to be leveled and manner of execution.

Application for execution of decree for delivery of immovable property, how to be made. Form of writ.

Fiscal how to proceed thereunder.

Procedure in event of resistance to execution of writ or delivery of property.

[41,20 of 1977]

Procedure on (2) If the judgment-debtor fails to comply with the Fiscal's demand, and if the

default. Fiscal is unable to obtain for the judgment-creditor delivery of the specific movable or share thereof mentioned in the writ, then the court upon being satisfied of these facts may, on application made to it by the judgment-creditor by petition, to which the judgment-debtor is made respondent, direct a writ of execution by seizure and sale of the judgment-debtor's property, or a warrant for the arrest of the judgment-debtor, or both, to issue to the Fiscal.

322. The amount of money directed to be levied in the writ of execution by seizure and sale issuing under the preceding section shall be the amount of pecuniary loss as nearly as the court can estimate it, which is occasioned to the Judgment-creditor by reason of the judgment-debtor's default in making delivery of the specific movable or share thereof according to the terms of the decree, and which the court shall award by way of compensation to the judgment-creditor by the order directing the writ to issue ; and the execution of this writ, and of the warrant of arrest issuing under the same section, shall be

effected according and subject to the rules prescribed for the writ of execution and warrant of arrest issued for the enforcement of decrees falling under head (A).

323. If the decree or order is for the recovery of possession of immovable property or any share thereof by the judgment-creditor, or if it directs the judgment-debtor to yield or deliver up possession thereof to the judgment-creditor, application to the court for execution of the decree may be made by the judgment-creditor in the manner, and according to the rules, prescribed for execution of decrees under head (A), so far as the same are applicable; and if the court on such application is satisfied that the judgment-creditor is entitled to obtain

execution of the decree, it shall direct a writ of execution to issue to the Fiscal in the form No, 63 in the First Schedule.

324.

(1): Upon receiving the writ the Fiscal or his officer shall as soon as reasonably may 'be repair to the ground, and there deliver over possession of the property described in the writ to the judgment-creditor or to some person appointed by him to receive delivery on his behalf, and if need be by removing any person bound by the decree who refuses to vacate the property: Provided that as to so much of the property, if any, as is in the occupancy of a tenant or other person entitled to occupy the same as against the judgment-debtor, and not bound by the decree to relinquish such occupancy, the Fiscal or his officer shall give delivery by affixing a copy of the writ in some conspicuous place on the property and proclaiming to the occupant by beat of tom-tom, or in such other mode as is customary, at some convenient place, the substance of the decree in regard to the property; and Provided also that if the occupant can be found, a notice in writing containing the substance of such decree shall be served upon him, and in such case no proclamation need be made.
(2): The cost (to be fixed by the court) of such proclamation shall in every case be prepaid by the judgment-creditor.

Resistance to Execution of Proprietary Decrees

325.

(1) Where in the execution of a decree for the possession of movable or immovable property the Fiscal is resisted or obstructed by the judgment-debtor or any other person, or where after the officer has delivered possession, the judgment-creditor is hindered or ousted by the judgment-debtor or any other person in taking complete and effectual possession thereof, and in the case of immovable property, where the judgment-creditor has been so hindered or ousted within a period of one year and one day, the judgment-creditor may at any time within one month from the date of such resistance or obstruction or hindrance or ouster, complain thereof to the court by a petition in which the Judgment-debtor and the person, if any, resisting or

[9,53 of 1980]

[13,79 of 1988]

Punishment of

326.

person obstructing. [10,53 of 1980]

[41,20 of 1977]

obstructing or hindering or ousting shall be named respondents. The court shall thereupon serve a copy of such petition on the parties named therein as respondents and require such respondents to file objections, if any, within such time as they may be directed by court.

(2): When a petition under subsection (1) is presented, the court may, upon the application of the judgment-creditor made by motion ex parte, direct the Fiscal to publish a notice announcing that the Fiscal has been resisted or obstructed in delivering possession of such property, or that the judgment-creditor has been hindered in taking complete and effectual possession thereof or ousted therefrom, as the case may be, by the judgment-debtor or other person, and calling upon all persons claiming to be in possession of the whole or any part of such property by virtue of any right or interest and who object to possession being delivered to the judgment-creditor to notify their claims to court within fifteen days of the publication of the notice
(3): The Fiscal shall make publication by affixing a copy of the notice in the language of the court, and, where the language of the court is also Tamil, in that language, in some conspicuous place on the property and proclaiming in the customary mode or in such manner as the court may direct, the contents of the notice. A copy of such notice shall be affixed to the court-house and if the court so orders shall also be published in any daily newspaper as the court may direct,
(4): Any person claiming to be in possession of the whole of the property or part thereof as against the judgment- creditor may file a written statement of his claim within fifteen days of the publication of the notice on such property, setting out his right or interest entitling him to the present possession of the whole property or part thereof and shall serve a copy of such statement on the judgment-creditor. The investigation into such claim shall be taken up along with the inquiry into the petition in respect of the resistance, obstruction, hindrance or ouster complained of, after due notice of the date of such investigation and inquiry has been given to all persons concerned. Every such investigation and inquiry shall be concluded within sixty days of the publication of the notice referred to in subsection (2).
(1): On the hearing of the matter of the petition and the claim made, if any, the court, if satisfied

(a) that the resistance, obstruction, hindrance or ouster complained of was occasioned by the. judgment-debtor or by some person at his instigation or on his behalf;

[14,79 of (b) that the resistance, obstruction, hindrance or ouster 1988]

complained of was occasioned by a person other than the judgment-debtor, and that the claim of such person to be in possession of the property, whether on his own account or on account of some person other than the judgment-debtor, is not in good faith; or

(c) that the claim made, if any, has not been established, shall direct the judgment-creditor to be put into or restored to the possession of the property and may, in the case specified in paragraph (a), in addition sentence the judgment-debtor or such other person to imprisonment for a period not exceeding thirty days,

(3) The court may make such order as to the costs of the application, the charges and expenses incurred in publishing the notice and the hearing and the reissue of writ as the court shall deem meet.

If resistance be

327. Where the resistance , obstruction , hindrance or ouster is found by court to have been

made by bona fide

occasioned by any person other than the judgment-debtor, claiming in good faith to be in

claimant in

possession of the whole of such property on his own account or on account of some person

possession, court

other than the judgment-debtor by virtue of any right or interest, or where the claim notified is

to dismiss the

petition. [41,20 of 1977] [15,79 of 1988]

Where claim is established only to a share of the property.

[16,79 of 1988]

found by the court to have been made by a person claiming to be in possession of the whole of such property on his own account or on account of some person other than the judgment-debtor, by virtue of any right or interest, the court shall making order dismissing the petition, if it finds that such right or interest has been established.

327A. Where any claim is established only to a share of any property, it shall be competent for the court in any order made under the preceding sections, to direct that the judgment-creditor be put into, or restored, to, possession of the share of the property to which no claim has been established.

Court shall investigate dispute if bona fide claimant be dispossessed in effecting the execution.

[41,20 of 1977]

[17,79 of 1988]

Effect of order made under section 326 or section 327 or section 328. How subsequent obstruction to be dealt with.

[11,53 of 1980]

Application for enforcement of decree for execution of any conveyance, how to be made. Service of the draft conveyance on judgment-debtor. Objections to draft.

Where any person other than the judgment-debtor or a person in occupation under him is dispossessed of any property in execution of a decree, he may, within fifteen days of such dispossession, apply to the court by petition in which the judgment-creditor shall be named respondent complaining of such dispossession. The court shall thereupon serve a copy of such petition on such respondent and require such respondent to file objections, if any, within fifteen days of the service of the petition on him. Upon such objections being filed or after the expiry of the date on which such objections were directed to be filed, the court shall, after notice to all parties concerned, hold an inquiry. Where the court is satisfied that the person dispossessed was in possession of the whole or part of such property on his own account or on account of some person other than the judgment-debtor, it shall by order direct that the petitioner be put into possession of the property or part thereof, as the case may be.
Every inquiry under this section shall be concluded within sixty days of the date fixed for the filing of objections.

No appeal shall lie from any order made under section 326 or section 327 or section
328 against any party other than the judgment-debtor. Any such order shall not bar the right of such party to institute an action to establish his right or title to such property.

Any subsequent resistance or obstruction to the execution of the writ or hindrance to

the possession or ouster of the judgment-creditor within a year and a day of the delivery of possession

(a): by the judgment-debtor or any other respondent to the petition under section 325, or
(b): where a notice under subsection (2) of section 325 has been duly published, by any person whosoever, shall be punishable as a contempt of court.

DECREES FOR EXECUTION OF CONVEYANCE OR TRANSFER OF PROPERTY

331. If the decree is for the execution of a conveyance, or for the endorsement of a negotiable instrument, and the judgment- debtor neglects or refuses to comply with the decree, the decree-holder may prepare the draft of a conveyance or endorsement in

accordance with the terms of the decree, and apply to the court by petition, not naming a respondent, to have the said draft served on the judgment-debtor.

332.

(1): The court shall thereupon cause the draft and a copy of the petition to be served on the judgment-debtor in manner hereinbefore provided for serving a summons, together with a notice in writing stating that his objections, if any, thereto, shall be made within such time (mentioning it) as the court fixes in this behalf, and will come on before the court to be considered and determined on a day to be named in the notice for that purpose.
(2): The decree-holder may also tender a duplicate of the draft to the court for execution, supplying a stamp of the proper amount if a stamp is required by law.
(3): On proof of such service the court, or such officer as it appoints in this behalf, shall on the day appointed for the consideration of objections, if no objections are made, proceed to execute the duplicate so tendered, or may, if necessary, alter the same, so as to bring it into accordance with the terms of

Execution of the conveyance by the court.

Meaning of conveyance m section 331 332, and 333.

Application for enforcement of decrees, how to be made. Court may issue writ of execution by seizure and sale.

Amount to be levied under writ.

Discretion of court to issue execution.

When subsequent application may be made for execution of decree partly sat is tied.

[12,53 of 1980]

the decree, and execute the decree so altered. But in the event of the judgment-debtor or any other party on that day objecting to the draft so served, provided the objections have been stated in writing and filed within the time fixed therefor, the court shall proceed to hear and determine such objections, and shall thereupon pass such order as it thinks fit, and execute, or alter and execute, the duplicate in accordance therewith.

333. The execution of a conveyance or the endorsement of a negotiable instrument by the court under the last preceding section may be in the following form: "C. D., Judge of the court of (as the case may be), for A. B., in an action by E. F. against A. B.", or in such other form as the Supreme Court may from time to time prescribe, and shall have the same effect as the execution of the" conveyance or endorsement of the instrument by the party ordered to execute or, endorse the same, and such conveyance shall be binding and of force though not executed before a notary public. And the court shall deliver the original of such conveyance to the decree-holder, and shall transmit the duplicate to the Registrar of Lands for the district in which the land is situate, in like manner as now is or shall be required to be done by

notaries in respect of deeds executed before them. 333A. In sections 331, 332, and 333 the expression conveyance " includes " contract or other document".

(E) & (F) MANDATORY AND RESTRAINING DECREES

When a decree or order falling under either of the heads (E) or (F) has been passed, and the judgment-debtor has had an opportunity of obeying the decree or order, but has wilfully failed to obey it, application to the court for execution or enforcement of the decree or order may be made by the judgment-creditor by petition to which the judgment-debtor shall be made respondent; and which shall set out the damage, if any, caused to the judgment-creditor by the disobedience of the judgment-debtor to the decree or order. And if the court on the hearing of such application is satisfied that the judgment- creditor is entitled to obtain execution or enforcement of the decree or order, it shall direct a writ of execution by seizure
and sale of the judgment-debtor's property, or a warrant for the arrest of the judgment-debtor, or both, to issue to the Fiscal.

The amount of money directed to be levied on the writ of execution issuing under the preceding section shall be the amount of pecuniary loss, if any, as nearly as the court can estimate it, which is occasioned to the judgment-creditor by reason of the judgment-debtor's default in obeying the decree or order, and which the court shall award by way of compensation to the judgment-creditor by the order directing the writ to issue. And the execution of this writ and of the warrant of arrest issuing under the same section shall be

effected according, and subject, to the rules prescribed for the writ of execution and warrant of arrest issued for the enforcement of decrees falling under head (A).

GENERAL PROVISIONS

336. The court may in its discretion refuse to issue execution at the same time against the

person and property of the judgment-debtor in cases when the judgment-creditor is entitled to apply for both simultaneously.

337.

(2): Nothing in this section shall prevent the court from granting an application for execution of a decree after the expiration of the said term of ten years, where the judgment-debtor has by fraud or force prevented the execution of the decree at some time within ten years immediately before the date of the application.

[12,53 of 1980] (3) Subject to the provisions contained in subsection (2), a writ of execution, if unexecuted, shall remain in force for one year only from its issue, but

(a): such writ may at any time, before its expiration, be renewed by the judgment-creditor for one year from the date of such renewal and so on from time to time ; or
(b): a fresh writ may at any time after the expiration of an earlier writ be issued,

till satisfaction of the decree is obtained

Application by one

338.

of several decree(1) If a decree has been passed jointly in favour of more persons than one, holders for any one or more of such persons, or his or their legal representatives, may execution of the apply for the execution of the whole decree for the benefit of them all, or, decree for the where any of them has died, for the benefit of the survivors and those benefit of all.

claiming under the deceased. The application for this purpose shall be made by petition to which the co-decree-holders or their representatives as well as the judgment-debtor shall be respondents.

[42,20 of 1977] (2) If the court sees sufficient cause for allowing the decree to be executed on an application so made, it shall pass such order as it deems necessary for protecting the interests of the persons who have not Joined in the application.

(3) For the purposes of this Chapter

(a) "estate" means the gross value of the estate of the deceased ; and

[2,14 of (b) " legal representative" means an executor or administrator or 1993]

in the case of an estate below the value of five hundred thousand rupees, the next of kin who have adiated the inheritance: Provided, however, that in the event of any dispute arising as to who is the legal representative, the provisions of section 397 shall, mutatis mutandis, apply.

Application by

339.

assignee of a (1) If a decree is transferred by assignment in writing or by operation of law decree for from the decree-holder to any other person, the transferee may apply for its execution thereof, execution by petition, to which all the parties to the action or theirhow to be made.

representatives shall be made respondents, to the court which passed it, and if on that application that court thinks fit, the transferee's name may be substituted for that of the transferor in the record of the decree, and the decree may be executed in the same manner and subject to the same conditions as if the application were made by such decree-holder: Provided that where the decree has been transferred by operation of law, the transferor need not be made respondent to the petition; Provided also that where a decree against several persons has been transferred to one of them, it shall not be executed against the others.

(2) In the case where one decree of court is seized in execution of another decree, the judgment-creditor of the second decree is in the situation of assignee of the judgment-creditor of the decree which is seized, provided the latter person is identical with the judgment-debtor of the decree in execution of which the seizure is made.

Transferee bound 340. Every transferee of a decree shall hold the same subject to the equities (if any) which by equities.

the judgment-debtor might have enforced against the original decree-holder.

Legal

341.

representative of (1) If the judgment-debtor dies before the decree has been fully executed, the deceased debtor, how made liable.

Fiscal may adjourn sale.

Stay of proceedings adjournment of sale by court.

All questions arising in execution to be determined by order of court and not by separate action. Procedure where there are cross decrees between the parties.

holder of the decree may apply to the court which passed it, by petition, to which the legal representative of the deceased shall be made respondent, to execute the same against the legal representative of the deceased.

[19,79 of 1988] (1A) On an application made under subsection (1), the court shall enter the name of the legal representative on the record in place of the name of the deceased and shall proceed to determine the application for execution; and

and extent of (2) Such representative shall be liable only to the extent of the property of the

liability. deceased which has come to his hands and has not been duly disposed of; and for the purpose of ascertaining such liability, the court executing the decree may on the application of the decree-holder compel the said representative to produce such accounts as it thinks fit. [19,79 of 1988] (3) If the judgment-creditor dies before the decree has been fully executed, the legal representative may apply to the court to have his name entered on the record in place of the deceased and the court shall thereupon enter his name on the record.

342. The Fiscal may in his discretion adjourn a sale:

Provided that the date to which the sale is adjourned is published in the same manner as was the original notice of sale; and Provided also that he report to the court in his return to the writ of execution, or sooner, the cause for which the adjournment was made.

343.

(1): The court may for sufficient cause stay execution proceedings at stage thereof, and make order for adjournment of a sale.
(2): The application to the court to stay proceedings shall be made by petition, to which all persons interested in the matter of the execution shall be made parties, and no such order shall be made until after payment of all Fiscal's fees then due.

344. All questions arising between the parties to the action in which the decree was

passed, or their legal representatives, and relating to the execution of the decree, shall be determined by order of the court executing the decree, and not by separate action.

345.

(1): If cross decrees between the same parties for the payment of money be produced to the court, execution shall be taken out only by the party who holds a decree for the larger sum, and for so much only as remains after deducting the smaller sum, and satisfaction for the smaller sum shall be entered on the decree for the larger sum as well as satisfaction on the decree for the smaller sum.
(2): If the two sums be equal, satisfaction shall be entered up on both decrees.

Explanation 1.-The decrees contemplated by this section are decrees capable of execution at the same time and by the same court.

Explanation 2.-This section applies where either party is an assignee of one of the decrees and as well in respect of judgment-debts due by the original assignor as in respect of judgment-debts due by the assignee himself.

Explanation 3.-This section does not apply unless- (a) the decree-holder in one of the actions in which the decrees have been made is the judgment-debtor in the other and each party fills the same character in both actions, and (b) the sums due under the decrees are definite and unconditional.

Procedure where parties recover different amounts under same decree.

Proceedings here one year hat. elapsed from date of decree.

Execution against surety.

Decree-holder to certify payment to the court.

Concurrence and preference.

[43,20 of 1977]

Illustrations

(a): A holds a decree against B for one thousand rupees. B holds a decree against A for the payment of one thousand rupees in case A fails to deliver certain goods at a future day. B cannot treat his decree as a cross decree under this section.
(b): A and B, co-plaintiffs, obtain a decree for one thousand rupees against C; and C obtains a decree for one thousand rupees against
B.: C cannot treat his decree as a cross decree under this section.

346.

(1): When two parties are entitled under the same decree to recover from each other sums of different amounts, the party entitled to the smaller sum shall not take out execution against the other party; but satisfaction for the smaller sum shall be entered on the decree.
(2): When the amounts are equal, neither party shall take out execution, but satisfaction for each sum shall be entered on the decree.

In cases where there is no respondent named in the petition of application for execution, if more than one year has elapsed between the date of the decree and the application for its execution, the court shall cause the petition to be served on the Judgment-debtor, and shall proceed thereon as if he were originally named respondent therein: Provided that no such service shall be necessary if the application be made within one year from the date of any decree passed on appeal from the decree sought to be executed or from
the date of the last order against the party, against whom execution is applied for, passed on any previous application for execution.

Whenever a person has before the passing of a decree in an original action become liable as surety for the performance of the same or of any part thereof, the decree may be executed against him to the extent to which he has rendered himself liable in the same manner as a decree may be executed against a judgment-debtor, upon application made by

the judgment-creditor to the court for that purpose by a petition to which the person sought to be made liable as surety shall be named respondent.

349.

(1): If any money payable under a decree is paid Out of Court, Or the decree is otherwise adjusted in whole or in part to the satisfaction of the decree -holder, he shall certify such payment or adjustment to the court whose duty it is to execute the decree.
(2): The judgment-debtor may also by petition inform the court of such payment or adjustment, and apply to the court to issue a notice to the decree-holder to show cause on a day to be fixed by the court why such payment or adjustment should not be recorded as certified. And if after due service of such notice the decree-holder fails to appear on the day fixed, or having appeared fails to show cause why the payment or adjustment should not be recorded as certified, the court shall record the same accordingly.
(3): No such payment or adjustment shall be recognized by any court unless it has been certified as aforesaid.

350.

(1): Money, which in the course of an action or in satisfaction of a decree has been paid into and received by the court shall be paid to the person entitled to the same, on his ex parte application.

Where the same property seized in execution of decrees of more courts than one.

Where several decree-holders are entitled to share rateably in proceeds of a sale of debtor's property.

(i): by a person claiming to be entitled to preferential payment by reason of any mortgage, charge or lien in his favour;
(ii): by a person holding a decree against the same judgment-debtor, whether entered by the same or another court; or

(iii) by the Fiscal in respect of claims of other writ-holders whose writs he had in his hands at the time of the sale in cases where a sale is carried out by him in execution,

the money shall first be paid to the persons, if any, entitled to receive payment preferentially, and shall next be rateably distributed among the decree-holders in the action or the judgment-creditor seizing such money and all other decree-holders whose claims have been notified to court under paragraphs (ii) and (iii) above.

(3): Before the court makes order under the preceding subsection, notice shall be given to the parties to the action and all persons whose claims have been notified to court under that subsection that the court will on a day to be specified in the notice proceed to hear and determine the claims to the money in court.
(4): On the day so specified or on some other day to which the court may for sufficient cause adjourn the hearing, the court shall proceed to hear and adjudicate upon the claims made and make such order as the justice of the case may require, or the court may, if in its opinion any claim cannot be conveniently heard and adjudicated upon, refer the parties to a separate action and may continue to hold the money or any part thereof pending the decision of the separate action.

351. Where property not in the custody of any court has been seized in execution of decrees of more courts than one, the court which shall receive or realize such property and shall determine any claim thereto and any objection to the seizure thereof shall be the court

of highest grade, or, where there is no difference in grade between such courts, the court under whose decree the property was first seized.

352.

(1) Whenever assets are realized by sale or otherwise in execution of a decree, and more persons than one have prior to the realization, applied to the court by which such assets are held for execution of decrees for money against the same judgment-debtor, and have not obtained satisfaction thereof, the assets, after deducting the costs of the realization, shall be divided rateably among all such persons : Provided that, when any property is sold which is subject to a mortgage or charge, or for any other reason remains subject to a mortgage or charge notwithstanding the sale, the mortgagee or incumbrancer shall not as such be entitled to share in any proceeds arising from such sale.

Share of such proceeds paid to wrong (2) If all or any portion of the money realized in execution of a decree is in the person may be distribution made under the last preceding section paid to a person not entitled recovered by to receive the same, any person who is so entitled may sue such person to action by compel him to refund the money. person entitled.

Order for payment

353. Every order made by a court, in any action or proceeding between parties, for

of money

payment of money not being a fine, shall have the effect of a decree for the payment of

enforced as a

money, and on default of payment according to its terms shall be enforceable upon the

decree.

application of the party at whose instance it was made in like manner as a decree for money.

Fine imposed by civil court how to be levied.

Writs or warrants to be usually issued to the Fiscal for execution.

To whom may all purpose of court not being writs or warrant be directed.

Fiscal to executed and serve processes of court.

Proceedings against Fiscal for contempt, & c.

[46,20 of 1977]

Grama seva niladhari or constable to execute or serve processes in his own limits only. Endorsement of process by Fiscal.

Duty of every Fiscal to assist.

354. In the event of an order being made by the civil court under the provisions of this Ordinance for the payment of a fine, and in the event of the fine not being paid into court at the time appointed therefore by the order, the amount of the said fine shall be levied by the Fiscal from the property of the person against whom the order was made; and the court shall

forthwith, on the occurrence of the default, of its own motion issue its writ or precept to the Fiscal for this purpose.

CHAPTER XXIII OF SERVICE OF PROCESS

Writs or warrants to levy money, or to take any person in arrest, or to detain any person in custody, or to deliver possession of property, shall usually be directed to the Fiscal of the court issuing the writ or warrant; but any such writ or warrant may be issued to any grama seva niladhari, constable or officer of police. And where any such writ or warrant is issued by the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, or by any court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the party against whom it is issued does not actually and voluntarily reside, or carry on business, or personally work for gain, or is not possessed of property sufficient to satisfy the same, such writ or warrant shall be issued to the Fiscal of a court within the
jurisdiction of which such party does actually and voluntarily reside or carry on business, or personally work for gain, or is possessed of such property.

All processes of court not being writs, or warrants directed to the Fiscal or other person for execution, and all notices and orders required by this Ordinance to be given to or served upon any person, shall, unless the court otherwise directs, be issued for service to the Fiscal of the court issuing such processes, notices, or orders under a precept of that court as is hereinbefore provided for the case of the summons to the defendant in an action. And the provisions of this Ordinance from section 59 to section 70, both inclusive, relative to the service of such summons shall apply, so far as is practicable, to the service of such processes, notices, and orders. Whenever it becomes necessary to serve any such processes outside the local limits of the jurisdiction of the court issuing them, it shall be competent to such court to issue such processes, notices and orders for service to the Fiscal
of any other court of like jurisdiction within the local limits of the jurisdiction of which such processes, notices and orders have to be served.

It shall be the duty of every Fiscal, upon receiving any writ, or warrant, or precept directed to him by any court, by himself or by his officers, to execute such writ or warrant,
and to serve every process, notice, or order conveyed to him under such precept according to the exigency of the writ, warrant, or precept.

All proceedings for attachment, contempt, or otherwise against a Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal for neglect or refusal to serve process or to comply with any order or direction of the court in connection therewith shall, where such Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal is the Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal of a court other than that of the court issuing such process, order, or direction, be referred by such court to the court to which such Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal is attached, and
shall be dealt with by the latter court as if such neglect or refusal related to its own process or orders.

It shall be the duty of every grama seva niladhari, constable, or officer of police, upon receiving any writ or warrant or precept directed to him by any court, to execute such writ or warrant and to serve every process, notice, or order conveyed to him under such precept
according to the exigency of the writ, warrant, or precept in any place within the district or division in which such grama seva niladhari, constable, or officer is empowered to act.

It shall be competent to any Fiscal to whom any writ, warrant, or precept has been directed under the foregoing sections, and to the Fiscal's officer to whom the Fiscal may have entrusted such writ, warrant, or precept for execution, to endorse thereon the name of any grama seva niladhari, constable, or officer of police; and such endorsement shall operate in the case of a grama seva niladhari, constable or officer of police to constitute the person
whose name is endorsed an officer of the Fiscal for the purpose of executing such writ, or warrant, or precept.

Every Fiscal and Fiscal's officer shall, and every grama seva niladhari, constable, or officer of police shall, within the local limits in which he is empowered to act, afford his aid

[48,20 of 1977]

and assistance to anyone charged under the foregoing sections with the duty of executing any writ or warrant, or of serving any process, notice, or order of court.

Every writ or process to be valid for the whole of Sri Lanka.

[49,20 of 1977]

What acts not within last section.

Form of precept.

When process may not be served.

Outer door not to be forced.

In effecting seizure of movable property inner door may be opened. Person executing process always to have writ with him or copy.

Body of person to be arrested must be seized or touched.

Fiscal's return of

Every mandate, writ, warrant, precept, or other process issuing from the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, or from any District Court or Family Court or Primary Court shall have full force and validity in every place throughout Sri Lanka ; and every person charged under the foregoing sections with the duty of executing any such process shall be protected thereby from civil liability for loss or damage caused by, or in the course of, or immediately consequential upon, the execution of such process by him, or in the case of the Fiscal by his officers, except when the loss or damage for which the claim is made is attributable to any fraud, gross negligence, or gross irregularity of proceeding, or gross want of ordinary diligence or abuse of authority on the part of the person executing such process: Provided that no action shall be maintainable against any person charged as aforesaid with the duty of executing any such process in respect to his execution thereof, unless previous notice in writing distinctly setting forth the grounds of such action shall have been given to him by or on behalf of the plaintiff one month at least before the commencement of such action, and unless such action shall be brought within nine months after the cause of action shall have arisen; And provided further, that it shall be lawful for the person to whom such notice of action has been given at any time before the commencement of such action to tender amends to the party aggrieved, and if the same be refused to plead such tender, at the same time paying into court for the use of the plaintiff the amount so tendered, and if the court by its judgment in the action shall hold that the amount so tendered and paid into court
is sufficient amends for the party aggrieved, the decree shall be passed in favour of the plaintiff for such amount, but he shall be condemned to pay all costs.

The seizure or sale of property, which does not belong to the person whose property is authorized by a writ of levy to be seized and sold, shall not be deemed to be an act done by or in the course of, nor an immediate consequence of, the execution of such writ within the meaning of the first paragraph of the last preceding section. But no person charged as aforesaid shall be liable in damages for any such seizure or sale, if the same shall be shown
to have been effected under the bona fide belief that the property did belong to the person whose property is authorized to be seized or sold.

Unless otherwise in this Ordinance enacted the precept of the court to the Fiscal directing the service of any process, order, or notice, or other document, not amounting to a
writ to levy money, or to take any person in arrest, or to detain any person in custody, or do deliver possession of property shall be in the form No. 17 in the First Schedule.

Process in civil cases, whether at the suit of the State or individuals, shall not be served or executed between the period of sunset and sunrise, nor on a public holiday, nor on any minister of religion, a Bhikku or other priest or religious functionary while performing his
functions in any place of public worship nor upon any individual of any congregation during the performance of public worship at any such place.

The outer door of any dwelling house shall not be forced open in order seize the
person under civil process issued at the suit of a private individual, excepting such person shall have escaped or shall have been rescued after having been duly arrested.

If the person executing any process under this Ordinance, directing or authorizing seizure of movable property, has obtained entrance into a house or other building, he may
unfasten and open the door of any room in which he has reason to believe any such property to be.

The person employed in carrying into effect any process of execution against either person or property shall always have with him the writ, warrant, or mandate of execution, or a copy of the same authenticated by the Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal, which shall, if required, be
produced and shown to the party against whom, or against whose property, it is sought to be put in force.

In all civil cases where process of execution may issue against the person of a party, it shall be necessary, in order to constitute an arrest, that the body of the person to be arrested

shall be actually seized or touched by the officer executing the process, unless such person express his acquiescence in the arrest without being so seized or touched.

370.

writ or precept. [ 4,6 of 1993]

Report to be accompanied by affidavit to be attached as an exhibit.

Power of Fiscal or other person to administer oath therefor.

Summary procedure by petition

[51,20 of 1977] Form of petition

[52,20 1977]

If incidental to an action, petition to be entitled therein.

Affidavits and exhibits to be attached to petition.

(1): Every Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal or Grama Niladhari, as the case may be shall, on the receipt of any process, note thereon the day he received the same, and on the service or execution thereof the date and mode of such service or execution.
(2): When the writ of execution or precept for service has been carried into effect, or on the day appointed in the writ or precept for the return thereof, whichever date shall first occur, the Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal or Grama Niladhari, as the case may be shall return the writ or precept to the court from which it issued with his report of what has been done under it.

The report of the Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal or Grama Niladhari constituting his return to the writ of execution or to the precept for service of any process shall be fair written and shall state concisely the mode in which the process has been served, or the steps which have been taken to effect service; and shall be accompanied by an affidavit made by the officer charged with the duty of executing the process, which affidavit shall set out the facts of the service effected or of the endeavour made by the officer to effect the service. The process and the affidavit shall be attached to the report as exhibits, and shall be referred to therein by
means of a distinguishing letter or other mark put upon them, each initialed and dated by the Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal or Grama Niladhari.

The Fiscal or Deputy Fiscal, or other person specially appointed by the Minister in charge of the subject of Justice in that behalf, is hereby authorized to administer the oath or affirmation which is requisite to the making of the affidavit in the last section mentioned. And every officer who makes a false statement of fact in any such affidavit commits (in addition to

any offence of which under the provisions of the Penal Code he may by so doing be guilty) an offence which is punishable as contempt of court.

PART II

OF SUMMARY PROCEDURE

CHAPTER XXIV

OF SUMMARY PROCEDURE

Every application to the court, or action, of summary procedure shall be instituted upon a duly stamped written petition presented to court by the applicant.

The petition shall be distinctly written upon good and suitable paper, and shall contain the following particulars :

the name of the court and date of presenting the petition;
the name, description, and place of abode of the petitioner or petitioners;
the name, description, and place of abode of the respondent or respondents;
a plain and concise statement of the facts constituting the ground of the application and its circumstances, and of the petitioner's right to make it. Such statement shall be set forth in duly numbered paragraphs;
a prayer for the relief or order which the petitioner seeks.

If the application is instituted in the course of, or as incidental to, a pending action, whether of regular or summary procedure, the petition shall be headed with a reference to its number in the court, and the names of the parties thereto, and shall be filed as part of the
record of such action, and all proceedings taken and orders made on such petition shall be duly entered in the journal required to be kept by section 92.

With the petition, and so far as conveniently can be attached thereto, shall be exhibited such affidavits, authenticated copy records, processes, or other documentary evidence as may be requisite to furnish prima facie proof of the material facts set out or alleged in the petition, or the court may in its discretion permit or direct the petitioner to

adduce oral evidence before the court for this purpose, which shall be taken down by the court in writing.

If grounds are sufficient, order may be nisi, or interlocutory.

377. If the court is satisfied on the evidence exhibited or adduced that the material facts of the petition are prima facie established or is of opinion that on the footing of these facts the

petitioner is entitled to the remedy, or to the order in his favour, for which the petition prays, or any part thereof, then the court shall accordingly make either

(a): an order nisi, conditioned to take effect in the event of the respondent not showing cause against it on a day appointed by the order for that purpose; or
(b): an interlocutory order appointing a day for the determination of the matter of the petition, and intimating that the respondent will be heard in opposition to the petition if he appears before the court for that purpose on the day so appointed.

^{Order as to costs.}378. In the alternative (a) of section 377 the order nisi may comprise an order against the

Form of order.

If grounds are insufficient petition to be refused.

Petition and order thereon to be filled.

Non- appearance of petitioner on day appointed.

When court may take order nisi absolute.

Proceedings where both parties appear.

respondent, or any of the respondents, to pay the costs of the petitioner.

In either of the alternatives (a) and (b) of section 377 the order made shall be put into writing, and shall contain a prefatory recital of the petition, and of the exhibits and other evidence adduced in support thereof. And a copy of the order together with a copy of the petition shall be served upon the respondent by the Fiscal in Service on the manner and
subject to the rules respondent hereinbefore prescribed for the service of the summons in a regular action.

If the court is not satisfied on the evidence exhibited or adduced that the material facts of the petition are prima facie established or is of opinion that on the footing of those facts the
petitioner is not entitled to the relief which he asks, then in either case the court shall refuse the petition.

The petition, with its exhibits, adduced evidence, and the order made thereon, shall be
filed in court whether the order is in the alternative (a) or (b) of section 377, or is an order refusing the petition.

If on the day appointed in an order made under section 377 for the determination of the matter of the petition, the petitioner does not appear before the court either in person or by his registered attorney to support the petition, the court shall dismiss the petition, and shall

have power to make such order for the payment of costs by the petitioner to the respondent as to the court shall seem just.

383.

(1): If on such day the petitioner appears, and the respondent does not appear, and if the court is satisfied by the affidavit of the serving officer, stating the fact of the service, or by oral evidence, that the order has been duly served upon the respondent in time reasonably sufficient to enable him to appear, then if the order is an order nisi made under (a) of section 377, the court shall make it absolute, and shall pass no other order adverse to the respondent; but otherwise it shall make such order within the prayer of the petition as it shall consider right on the facts proved : Provided, however, that in the latter case the court shall make no order to pay costs against the respondent, except in cases where the prayer of the petition expressly asks for the costs of the application, and the court thinks it fit that the respondent should pay them.
(2): Nothing in this section shall prevent the court from dismissing the petition at this stage in the absence of the respondent, if it sees reason to think that the order ought not to have issued in the first instance.

384. If on such day both the petitioner and the respondent appear, the proceedings on the matter of the petition shall commence by the respondent in person, or by his registered attorney, stating his objections, if any, to the petitioner's application; and the respondent shall then be entitled to read such affidavits or other documentary evidence as may be admissible, or by leave of the court to adduce oral evidence in support of his objections, or to rebut and refute the evidence of the petitioner: Provided that no affidavit or other documentary evidence shall be so read without express

leave of court, unless a copy of the document shall have been served on the petitioner or his registered attorney at least forty eight hours before the day when the matter of the petition comes on to be heard and determined; and the oral evidence shall be taken down in writing by the Judge.

Right to reply.

385. In the event of the respondent stating objections to the application, and not otherwise,

and after the respondent's evidence, if any, shall have been read or given, the petitioner shall be entitled by way of reply to comment upon the respondent's case.

Additional evidence when admitted.

Final order.

Endorsement on order nisi.

Final order made on nonappearance of respondent, not appealable, but may be set aside.

Parties to an action of summary procedure. Journal in an action of summary procedure.

When the respondent's evidence has been taken, it shall be competent to the court, on the request of the petitioner, to adjourn the matter to enable the petitioner to adduce additional evidence; or, if it thinks necessary, it may frame issues of fact between the petitioner and respondent, and adjourn the matter for the trial of these issues by oral testimony. And on the day to which the matter is so adjourned, the additional evidence shall
be adduced, and the issues tried in conformity with, as nearly as may be, the rules hereinbefore prescribed for the taking of evidence at the trial of a regular action.

The court, after the evidence has been duly taken and the petitioner and respondent have been heard either in person or by their respective attorneys-at-law or recognized agents, shall pronounce its final order in the matter of the petition in open court, either at

once or on some future day, of which notice shall be given in open court at the termination of the trial.

388.

(1): The final order so pronounced may be endorsed on the order nisi or on the interlocutory order, as the case may be.
(2): In the case of the order nisi, the final order, if endorsed, will be simpliciter either in the shape of " order discharged " or of " order made absolute ": Provided that an order nisi, if it consists of separable parts, may be discharged in part and made absolute in part; and nothing herein enacted shall prevent any order being made by consent of the petitioner and respondent on the footing of the order nisi.
(3): In the case of the interlocutory order, the court may make such order within the prayer of the petition as it shall consider right on the facts proved, and it may make any such order upon the petitioner and respondent for the payment of costs as to the court shall seem just.

No appeal by a respondent shall lie against any final order which has been made, in the case of the respondent's non- appearance, on the footing of either an order nisi or an interlocutory order in the matter of a petition; but it shall be competent to the court, within a reasonable time after the passing of such order, to entertain an application in the way of summary procedure instituted by any respondent against whom such order has been made, to have such final order set aside upon the ground that the applicant had been prevented from appearing after notice of the order nisi or interlocutory order by reason of accident or misfortune, or that such order nisi or interlocutory order had never been served upon him. And if the ground of such application is duly established to the satisfaction of the court, as against the original petitioner, the court may set aside the final order complained of upon such terms and conditions as the court shall consider it just and right to impose upon the applicant, and upon the final order being so set aside, the court shall proceed with the
hearing and determination of the matter of the original petition as from the point at which the final order so set aside was made.

In an application, or action, of summary procedure the persons, petitioning or respondent, are the parties to the action.
On the institution of an application of summary procedure which is not made in, or incidental to, any already pending action, the court shall commence and keep a journal

entitled as of the matter of the application, according to the rules prescribed in section 92, and this journal so kept shall be the record of the matter of the application.

PART III

INCIDENTAL PROCEEDINGS

CHAPTER XXV

OF THE CONTINUATION OF ACTIONS AFTER ALTERATION OF A PARTY'S STATUS

On death of a 392. The death of a plaintiff or defendant shall not cause the action to abate if the right to party action does sue on the cause of action survives.

not abate if right to sue survives.

On death of one out of more plaintiffs or defendants than one, if right to sue survive to or against the rest, action to proceed. If, on death of one of several plaintiffs, the right to sue survives to the rest jointly with legal representative of deceased, legal representative may be made plaintiff.

On death of sole plaintiff, legal representative may be substituted. If no application is made by legal representative action may be declared to abate.

In case of dispute, court to decide who is legal representative.

Of substitution of legal representative of deceased defendant.

[4,6 of 1990]

393. If there be more plaintiffs or defendants than one and any of them dies, and if the right to sue on the cause of action survives to the surviving plaintiff or plaintiffs alone, or against the surviving defendant or defendants alone, the court shall, on application in the way of

summary procedure, make an order to the effect that the action do proceed at the instance of the surviving plaintiff or plaintiffs, or against the surviving defendant or defendants.

394.

(1) If there are more plaintiffs than one, and any of them dies, and if the right to sue does not survive to the surviving plaintiff or plaintiffs alone, but survives to him or them and the legal representative of the deceased plaintiff jointly, the court may cause the legal representative, if any, of the of deceased plaintiff to be made a party, and shall thereupon cause an entry to that effect to be made on the record and proceed with the action.

[53,20 of 1977]

(2) For the purposes of this Chapter

[3,14 of 1993] " estate" means the gross value of the estate of the deceased ; and "legal representative" means an executor or administrator, or in the case of an estate below the value of five hundred thousand rupees, the next of kin who have adiated the inheritance.

In case of the death of a sole plaintiff or sole surviving plaintiff the legal representative of the deceased may, where the right to sue survives, apply to the court to have his name
entered on the record in place of the deceased plaintiff, and the court shall thereupon enter his name and proceed with the action.

If no such application be made to the court by any person claiming to be the legal representative of the deceased plaintiff, the court may pass an order that the action shall abate, and award to the defendant the costs which he may have incurred in defending the action, to be recovered from the estate of the deceased plaintiff; or the court may, if it think proper, on the application of the defendant, and upon such terms as to costs or otherwise as it thinks fit, pass such other order as it thinks fit for bringing in the legal representative of the
deceased plaintiff or for proceeding with the action in order to a final determination of the matter in dispute, or for both those purposes,

In the event of any dispute arising as to who is the legal representative of a deceased plaintiff, it is competent to the court either to stay the action until the question has been decided in another action, or to decide at once, as between the parties before it, who shall be admitted to be such legal representative for the purpose of prosecuting the action. And this

question shall in such case be dealt with and tried by the court as an issue preliminary to the trial of the merits of the action.

398.

(2): Upon receipt of an application under paragraph (a) of subsection (1), the court may being satisfied that there are grounds therefor, enter the name of such representative on the record in the place of such defendant, and shall issue summons, (in the Form No. 71 in the First Schedule) to such representative to appear on a day to be therein mentioned to defend the action, and the case shall thereupon proceed in the same manner as if such representative had originally been made defendant and had been a party to the former proceedings in the action : Provided however, that the person so made defendant may object that he is not the legal representative of the deceased defendant, or make any defence appropriate to his character as such representative.
(3): Upon receipt of an application under paragraph (b) of subsection (1), the court may, where it is satisfied that probate of the will or letters of administration to the estate of the deceased defendant have not been issued or that its issue is likely to be unduly delayed, and after the issue of notice on the person alleged in such application to be the person to whom probate of the will or letters of administration to the estate of the deceased defendant would ordinarily be issued and such other persons, if any, and after causing notice of such application, (in the form No. 71A in the First Schedule) to be advertised in a local newspaper to be selected by the court or by such other mode of advertisement in lieu of such publication as to the court seems sufficient, and after such inquiry as the court may consider necessary and upon such terms as it thinks fit, order, that the name of the person who appears to the court to be the person to whom probate of the will or letters of administration to the estate of the deceased defendant would ordinarily be issued, be entered in the record in place of the deceased defendant and the case shall thereupon proceed in the same manner as if such person had originally been made a defendant and had been a party to the former proceedings in that action: Provided however, that such order may be made only after a period of six months has elapsed after the death of the deceased defendant and the person to be so made defendant may object that he is not the person to whom probate of the will or letters of administration to the estate of the deceased defendant would ordinarily be issued or that he should not be made defendant in place of the deceased defendant, and may, upon his name being entered in the record in place of the deceased defendant, make any defence appropriate to his character as representative of the deceased defendant.
(4): Upon receipt of an application under paragraph (c) of subsection (1), the court being satisfied that there are grounds therefor, and, after the issue of notice on the representative named in such application and such other persons, if any, and after causing notice of such application (in the form No.

Action not abated by marriage of female party.

Effect of bankruptcy of plaintiff.

When assignee does not continue action.

When court itself may order action to abate.

No fresh action to be brought where action has abated; 71A in the First Schedule) to be advertised in a local newspaper to be selected by the court or by such other mode of advertisement in lieu of such publication as to the court seems sufficient, and after such inquiry as the court may consider necessary and upon such terms as it thinks fit, the court may order, that the name of such representative or such other person as the court may consider fit be entered of record in place of the deceased defendant and the case shall thereupon proceed in the same manner as if such person had originally been made a defendant, and had been a party to the former proceedings in the action: Provided, however, that such order may be made only after a period of six months has elapsed after the death of the deceased defendant and the person to be so made defendant may object that he is not the legal representative of the deceased defendant, or that he should not be appointed in place of the deceased defendant, and may, upon his name being entered in the record in place of the deceased defendant, make any defence appropriate to his character as representative of the deceased defendant.

(5): The legal representative of a deceased defendant may apply to have himself made a defendant in place of deceased defendant and the provisions of this section, so far as they are applicable, shall apply to the application and to the proceedings resulting from such an application.
(6): Where after an order has been made under subsection (2) or subsection
(3): of this section, an executor or administrator is appointed in proceedings instituted under Chapter XXXVIII of this Code, such executor or administrator shall be substituted in place of the person appointed under subsection (2) or subsection (3), on the application by way of summary procedure supported by affidavit made by the plaintiff or any other party to the action or by such executor or administrator himself, and the action shall thereupon proceed in the same manner as if such executor or administrator had originally been made a defendant and had been a party to the former proceedings in the action.

399.

(1): The marriage of a female plaintiff or defendant shall not cause the action to abate, but the action may, notwithstanding, be proceeded with to Judgment; and where the decree is against a female defendant, it may thereupon be executed against her alone.
(2): If the case is one in which the husband is by law liable for the debts of his wife, the decree may, with the permission of the court, be executed against the husband also; and in case of judgment for the wife, execution of the decree may, with such permission, be issued upon the application of the husband where the husband is by law entitled to the subject-matter of the decree.

The bankruptcy or insolvency of a plaintiff in any action which his assignee might maintain for the benefit of his creditors shall not bar the action, unless such assignee
declines to continue the action and to give security for the costs thereof, within such time as the court may order,

If the assignee neglects or refuses to continue the action and to give such security within the time so ordered, the defendant may apply for the dismissal of the action on the ground of the plaintiffs bankruptcy or insolvency, and the court may dismiss the action and
award to the defendant the costs which he has incurred in defending the same, to be proved as a debt against the plaintiffs estate.

If a period exceeding twelve months in the case of a District Court or Family Court, or six months in a Primary Court, elapses subsequently to the date of the last entry of an order
or proceeding in the record without the plaintiff taking any steps to prosecute the action where any such step is necessary, the court may pass an order that the action shall abate.

When an action abates or is dismissed under this Chapter, no fresh action shall be

brought on the same cause of action. But the plaintiff or the person claiming to be the legal representative of a deceased or insolvent plaintiff may, within such period of time as may but court may set seem to the court under the circumstances of the case to be reasonable, apply for an order aside order.

to set aside the order for abatement or dismissal; and if it be proved that he was prevented by any sufficient cause from continuing the action the court shall set aside the abatement or dismissal upon such terms as to costs or otherwise as it thinks fit.

Continuation of action in other cases of assignment of party's interest.

Applications under this Chapter how to be made.

Withdrawal and adjustment of action.

Permission to bring fresh action not to affect prescription. Adjustment of actions out of court.

Payment of money into court.

Notice thereof.

Interest on deposit not allowed to plaintiff after notice.

In other cases of assignment, creation, or devolution of any interest pending the action, the action may, with the leave of the court, given either with the consent of all parties or after service of notice in writing upon them, and hearing their objections, if any, be
continued by or against the person to whom such interest has come, either in addition to or in substitution for the person from whom it has passed, as the case may require.

The application under paragraph (a) of subsection (t) of section 393 may be made ex parte, but in all other applications for the exercise of the discretion of the court under this

Chapter all the parties to the action, not being the applicants, or such of them as may be affected by the order sought, must be made respondents on the face of the application.

CHAPTER XXVI

OF THE WITHDRAWAL AND ADJUSTMENT OF ACTION

406.

(2): If the plaintiff withdraw from the action, or abandon part of his claim, without such permission, he shall be liable for such costs as the court may award, and shall be precluded from bringing a fresh action for the same matter or in respect of the same part.
(3): Nothing in this section shall be deemed to authorize the court to permit one of several plaintiffs to withdraw without the consent of the others.

In any fresh action instituted on permission granted under the last preceding section,
the plaintiff shall be bound by the law of prescription or limitation in the same manner as if the first action had not been brought.

If an action be adjusted wholly or part by any lawful agreement or compromise, or if the defendant satisfy the plaintiff in respect to the whole or any part of the matter of the action, such agreement, compromise, or satisfaction shall be notified to the court by motion made in presence of, or on notice to, all the parties concerned, and the court shall pass a decree in accordance therewith, so far as it relates to the action, and such decree shall be final, so far

as relates to so much of the subject-matter of the action as is dealt with by the agreement, compromise, or satisfaction.

CHAPTER XXVII

OF PAYMENT OF MONEY INTO COURT

The defendant in any action brought to recover a debt or damage may, at any stage of
the action, deposit in court such sum of money as he considers a satisfaction in full of the plaintiffs claim.

Notice in writing of the deposit shall be given by the defendant to the plaintiff, and the
amount of the deposit shall (unless the court otherwise directs) be paid out of court to the plaintiff on his application.

No interest shall be allowed to the plaintiff on any sum deposited by the defendant

from the date of the receipt of such notice, whether the sum deposited be in full of the claim or fall short thereof.

Procedure where plaintiff accepts payment in part satisfaction of his claim.

Procedure where plaintiff accepts payment in full satisfaction of his claim.

Money must be actually paid.

This Chapter to apply to any party.

Security for costs where plaintiff resident out of Sri Lanka.

[54, 20 of 1977]

Security for costs where defendant resident out of Sri Lanka.

[54,20 of 1977]

If the plaintiff accepts such amount only as satisfaction in part of his claim, he may prosecute his action for the balance; and if the court eventually decides that the deposit by the defendant was a full satisfaction of the plaintiffs claim, the plaintiff must pay the costs of
the action incurred after the deposit and the costs incurred previous thereto, so far as they were caused by excess in the plaintiffs claim.

If the plaintiff accepts such amount as satisfaction in full of his claim, he shall present to the court a statement to that effect, embodied in a motion for judgment, and the court shall

pass judgment accordingly, and in directing by whom the costs of each party are to be paid the court shall consider which of the parties is most to blame for the litigation.

Illustrations

(a): A owes B one hundred rupees. B sues A for the amount, having made no demand for payment, and having no reason to believe that the delay caused by making a demand would place him at a disadvantage. On the plaint being filed, A pays the money into court. B accepts it in full satisfaction of his claim, but the court should not allow him any costs, the litigation being presumably groundless on his part.
(b): B sues A under the circumstances mentioned in illustration (a). On the plaint being filed. A disputes the claim. Afterwards A pays the money into court. B accepts it in full satisfaction of his claim. The court should also give B his costs of action, A's conduct having shown that the litigation was necessary.
(c): A owes B one hundred rupees, and is willing to pay him that sum without action. B claims one hundred and fifty rupees, and sues A for that amount. On the plaint being filed, A pays one hundred rupees into court, and disputes only his liability to pay the remaining fifty rupees. B accepts the one hundred rupees in full satisfaction of his claim. The court should order him to pay A's costs.

When a defendant by his answer or any party to an action by petition professes to pay money into court, or when a defendant by his answer sets up a tender of any sum of money before action brought, the answer or the petition shall not be received or filed by the court unless either the sum of money so professed to have been paid into court, or so alleged to
have been tendered, is actually paid into court, or the requisite steps for the purpose are taken by the defendant or other party, as the case may be.

The enactments of this Chapter shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the case of payment

of money into court made by any party to the action in satisfaction of the claim of any other party.

CHAPTER XXVIII

OF SECURITY FOR COSTS

If at the institution, or at any subsequent stage, of an action, it appears to the court that a sole plaintiff is, or (when there are more plaintiffs than one) that all the plaintiffs are, residing outside Sri Lanka, the court may in its discretion, and either of its own motion or on the application of any defendants, order the plaintiff or plaintiffs, within a time to be fixed by
the order, to give security for the payment of all costs incurred and likely to be incurred by any defendant.

If at the institution, or at any subsequent stage, of an action, it appears to the court that the defendant, or (where there are more defendants than one) that any defendant, is residing outside Sri Lanka, the court may in its discretion, and either of its own motion or on the application of such defendant, order the plaintiff or plaintiffs, within a time to be fixed by

the order, to give security for the payment of all costs incurred and likely to be incurred by such defendant.

Amount of

417A. The security for payment of costs fixed by order made under section 416 or 417

security for

shall in no case exceed the aggregate of the following :

payment of costs.

(a) the total costs that can be ordered in an action of that category, at the

[10,14 of 1997]

If security not furnished when ordered, action may be dismissed.

What amounts to residing out of Sri Lanka.

[55,20 of 1977]

Commission to examine sick person, & c, within jurisdiction.

To whom may commission issue.

Commission to examine in other cases.

When may court issue commission to examine person outside Sri Lanka. Court to execute the commission.

rates prescribed for the purposes of section 214; and

(b) five hundred thousand rupees to meet incidental expenses, such as expenses that may be incurred in pro curing the evidence and attendance of witnesses living abroad.

418.

(1) In the event of such security not being furnished within the time so fixed, the court shall dismiss the action, unless the plaintiff or plaintiffs be permitted to withdraw therefrom under the provisions of section 406, or show good cause why such time should be extended, in which case the court may extend it.

Dismissal may (2) When an action is dismissed under this section the plaintiff may within

be set aside. thirty days, and after due notice in writing to the defendant, apply for an order to set the dismissal aside, and if it is proved to the satisfaction of the court that he was prevented by any sufficient cause from furnishing the security within the time allowed, the court shall set aside the dismissal upon such terms as to security, costs, or otherwise as it thinks fit, and shall appoint a day for proceeding with the action.

419. Whoever leaves, or is about to leave, Sri Lanka under such circumstances as to afford

reasonable probability that he will not be forthcoming whenever he may be called upon to pay costs, shall be deemed to be residing outside Sri Lanka within the meaning of section 416 or

417.

CHAPTER XXIX

OF COMMISSIONS A.-COMMISSIONS TO EXAMINE WITNESSES

Any court may in any action issue a commission for the examination on interrogatories or otherwise, and on oath or affirmation, of persons resident within the local limits of its jurisdiction who are from sickness or infirmity unable to attend the court, or of women who,
according to the customs and manners of the country, ought not to be compelled to appear in public.

The commission for the examination of a person who resides within the local limits of

the jurisdiction of the court issuing the same may be issued to any person whom the court thinks fit to execute the same.

422.

(1) Any court may in any action issue a commission for the examination of

(a): any person resident beyond the local limits of its jurisdiction;
(b): persons who are about to leave such limits before the date on which they are required to be examined in court; and
(c): civil and military officers of Government who cannot in the opinion of the Judge attend the court without detriment to the public service; and
(d): Women who, according to the customs and manners of the country, ought not to be compelled to appear in public.

To whom may (2) Such commission shall ordinarily be issued to any court, except the

commission	Supreme Court., the Court of Appeal and the High Court, within the local limits
issue.	of whose jurisdiction such person resides, and which can most conveniently
	execute the same :
	Provided that, under special circumstances, the commission may be directed

to any person whom the court issuing the commission thinks fit to appoint.

When any court to which application is made for the issue of a commission for the
examination of a person residing at any place not within Sri Lanka is satisfied that his evidence is necessary, the court may issue such commission.

Every court receiving a commission for the examination of any person shall examine

Return thereof.

Evidence taken under commission when admissible.

Foreign courts to which provisions apply.

[56,20 of 1977]

Commission to make local investigation.

Return thereof.

Commission to examine accounts.

Court to furnish instructions.

Evidence taken on commission shall be filed and recorded in the action.

him pursuant thereto.

After the commission has been duly executed, it shall be returned, together with the evidence taken under it, to the court out of which it issued, unless the order for issuing the commission has otherwise directed, in which case the commission shall be returned in terms
of such order; and the commission and the return thereto, and the evidence taken under it, shall (subject to the provisions of the next following section) be recorded in the action.

Evidence taken under a commission shall not be read as evidence in the action without the consent of the party against whom the same is offered, unless

the person who gave the evidence is beyond the jurisdiction of the court, or dead, or unable from sickness or infirmity to attend to be personally examined ; or is a person whom the court, in accordance with the customs and manners of the country, sees reason to exempt from personal appearance in court ; or
the court in its discretion, for good cause to be assigned by it, dispenses with the proof of any of the circumstances mentioned in the last preceding section and authorizes the evidence of any person being read as evidence in the action, notwithstanding proof that the cause for taking such evidence by commission has ceased at the time of reading the same.

The provisions hereinbefore contained as to the execution and return of commissions

shall apply to commissions issued by the courts of any foreign country recognized by the Government of Sri Lanka.

B.-COMMISSIONS FOR LOCAL INVESTIGATIONS

In any action or proceeding in which the court deems a local investigation to be requisite or proper for the purpose of elucidating any matter in dispute, or of ascertaining the market value of any property, or the amount of any mesne profits or damages or annual net profits, and the same cannot be conveniently conducted by the Judge in person, the court
may issue a commission to such person as it thinks fit, directing him to make such investigation and to report to the court.

The commissioner, after such local inspection as he deems necessary, and after

reducing to writing the evidence taken by him, shall return such evidence, together with his report in writing, subscribed with his name, to the court.

C-COMMISSIONS TO EXAMINE ACCOUNTS

In any action in which an examination or adjustment of accounts is necessary, the
court may issue a commission to such person as it thinks fit, directing him to make such examination.

The court shall furnish the commissioner with such part of the proceedings of the action and such detailed instructions as appear necessary, and the instructions shall distinctly specify whether the commissioner is merely to transmit the proceedings which he

may hold on the inquiry, or also to report his own opinion on the point referred for his examination.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

432.

(1) The commission in every case within this Chapter shall be entitled as in the action, whether of regular or summary procedure, in which it issued, and on its return shall, with all the proceedings, evidence, and documents, if any, taken therein, be filed and recorded as of that action.

Commissioner (2) The report of the commissioner or commissioners in each case within (B) Court may order payment into court of expense.

matters	and (C), and the evidence taken by a commissioner (but not the evidence
maybe	without the report) shall be evidence in the action; but the court, or, with the
examined	permission of the court, any of the parties to the action, may examine the
personally.	commissioner personally in open court touching any of the referred to him, or
	mentioned in his report,	or	as	to	the	manner	in which he has made the
	investigation or conducted his proceedings.

Powers of commissioners.

Provisions of this Ordinance as to witnesses to apply.

Parties should appear before commissioner.

Evidence on affidavit.

[21,79 of 1988]

Affidavit to be signed by declarant.

[22,79 of 1988] Case of illiterate person.

[23,79 of 1988]

Alteration of affidavit.

[24,79 of 1988]

Before issuing any commission under this Chapter the court may order such sum (if
any) as it thinks reasonable for the expenses of the commission, to be paid into court by the party at whose instance or for whose benefit the commission is issued.

Any commissioner appointed under this Chapter shall have authority to administer an oath or affirmation, and may, unless otherwise directed by the order of appointment

examine the parties themselves and any witness whom they or any of them may produce, and any other person whom the commissioner thinks proper to call upon to give evidence in the matter referred to him:
call for and examine documents and other things relevant to the subject of inquiry;
at any reasonable time enter upon or into any land or building mentioned in the order.

The provisions of this Ordinance relating to the summoning, attendance, and examination of witnesses, and to the remuneration of, and penalties to be imposed upon, witnesses, shall apply to persons required to give evidence or to produce documents under
this Chapter, whether the commission in execution of which they are so required has been issued by a court situate within, or by a court situate beyond, the limits of Sri Lanka.

Whenever a commission is issued under this Chapter the court shall direct that the parties to the action shall appear before the commissioner in person or by their recognized

agents or registered attorneys. If the parties do not so appear, the commissioner may proceed ex parte.

AFFIDAVITS

Whenever any order has been made by any court for the taking of evidence on affidavit, or whenever evidence on affidavit is required for production in any application or action of summary procedure, whether already instituted or about to be instituted, an affidavit or written statement of facts conforming to the provisions of section 181 may be sworn or affirmed to by the person professing to make the statement embodied in the affidavit before any court or Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Oaths, or in the case of an affidavit sworn or affirmed In a country outride Sri Lanka, before any person qualified to administer oath or affirmation according to the law of that country, and the fact that the affidavit bears on its face the name of the court, the number of the action and the names of the parties shall
be sufficient authority to such court or Justice of the Peace, or Commissioner for oaths or such person qualified to administer the oath or affirmation.

Every affidavit made in accordance with the preceding provisions shall be signed by
the declarant in the presence of the court. Justice of the Peace or' Commissioner for oaths, or person qualified before whom it is sworn or affirmed.

In the event of the declarant being a blind or illiterate person, or not able to understand writing in the language of the court, the affidavit shall at the same time be read over or interpreted to him in his own language, and the jurat shall express that it was read over or interpreted to him in the presence of the court. Justice of the Peace, Commissioner for Oaths, or person qualified before whom it is sworn or affirmed, and that he appeared to understand the contents; and also that he made his mark or wrote his signature in the presence of the court, Justice of the Peace, Commissioner for Oaths, or person qualified before whom it is sworn or affirmed. And when a mark is made instead of a signature, the person who writes the marksman's name against the mark shall also sign his name and
address in the presence of the court. Justice of the Peace, or Commissioner for Oaths, or person qualified before whom it is sworn or affirmed.

Every affidavit must be fairly written, and must exhibit no erasures or blotting or blanks; if any alteration is needed to be made in the original writing before it is sworn or affirmed to, every excision of a word, or letter, or figure shall be made by so drawing a line through it as to leave the word, letter, or figure still legible; and every added word, letter, or figure shall be added by interlineations, not by superposition or alteration; and every excision

and interlineations shall be initialed by the Judge, Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for oaths, or the person qualified before whom the affidavit is affirmed or sworn.

CERTIFIED COPIES

Issue of certified copies of statements or complaints made to, or of plans or sketches prepared by, police officers or inquirers and the production of such certified copies.

[58,20 of 1977]

Actions by or against the state.

440A.

(1): Where a party to any proceedings in a civil court requires for the purpose of such proceedings a certified copy of any complaint or statement made to a police officer, or an inquirer, whether in the course of any investigation or otherwise, or of any plan, or sketch prepared by a police officer, or an inquirer, on information furnished by any person or persons, such party shall, upon the payment by such party to the appropriate authority of the usual charges, be entitled to obtain a certified copy of such complaint, statement, plan or sketch, as the case may be; and the court, upon application made in that behalf, may direct the appropriate authority to issue such certified copy.
(2): Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other law, a certified copy of any complaint, statement, plan or sketch obtained under the preceding subsection by a party to any proceedings in a civil court, may, without the police officer or inquirer to whom the complaint or statement was made, or by whom the plan or sketch was prepared being called as a witness, be produced in such proceedings by such party in proof of the fact that the complaint or statement was made, or that the information on which the plan or sketch was prepared was furnished to such police officer or inquirer by any person or persons, if the person by whom the complaint or statement was made or every person who furnished the information on which the plan or sketch was prepared has deposed to the fact of having made such complaint or statement or of having furnished such information, as the case may be: Provided however, that the court may of its own motion, or upon application made by any party to such proceedings, require the production of the book in which such complaint or statement was first recorded or the original of such plan or sketch, as the case may be, or require that the person to whom such complaint or statement was made, or by whom such plan or sketch was prepared, be summoned as a witness.

" inquirer " and " police officer " shall have the same meaning as in the Code of Criminal Procedure Act.

[Sections 441 to 455 (both inclusive) repealed by Law No. 20 of 1977]

PART IV ACTIONS IN PARTICULAR CASES

CHAPTER XXXI

ACTIONS BY OR AGAINST THE STATE, OR MINISTERS, DEPUTY MINISTERS, OR PUBLIC OFFICERS

456.

(1): All actions by or against the state shall be instituted by or against (as the case may Attorney-General.
(3): Attorney-General does not in this section include the Solicitor-General, the Additional Solicitor-General, a Deputy Solicitor-General, or any State Counsel.

Service of a 457. In any action to which the State is a party, all processes of court issuing against the

process.

State shall be served upon the Attorney-General.

Attorney- General to have reasonable time to appear. Service on public officer.

Public officer may apply for time to answer.

Attorney-General, Minister, Deputy Minister, and public officer entitled to notice.

Procedure where no notice has been given under section 461.

Writ against person or property in such action.

When Attorney-General may intervene.

Where Attorney-General docs not intervene action to proceed as against private

The court, in fixing the day for the Attorney-General to answer to the plaint, shall allow
a reasonable time for the necessary communication with the Government through the proper channels, and may extend the time at its discretion.

Where the defendant is a public officer, the court may send a copy of the summons to
the head of the office in which the defendant is employed, for the purpose of being served on him, if it appear to the court that the summons may be most conveniently so served.

If the public officer on receiving the summons considers it proper to make a reference to the Government before answering to the plaint, he may apply to the court to grant such extension of the time fixed in the summons as may be necessary to enable him to make such
reference and to receive orders thereon through the proper channel; and the court upon such application may extend the time for so long as appears to be requisite.

No action shall be instituted against the Attorney-General as representing the State or against a Minister, Deputy Minister, or public officer in respect of an act purporting to be done by him in his official capacity, until the expiration of one month next after notice in writing has been delivered to such Attorney-General, Minister, Deputy Minister, or officer (as the case may be), or left at his office, stating the cause of action and the name and place of abode of the person intending to institute the action and the relief which he claims; and the plaint in

such action must contain a statement that such notice has been delivered or left. 461A.

(1): Where no notice as required by section 461 has been given prior to the institution of the action, and objection is taken prior to or in the answer that no such notice has been given, the court shall stay further proceedings of the action for a period of one month and may order the plaintiff to pay the defendant such costs as it thinks fit. Where proceedings are stayed under this subsection, the date immediately following the period of one month after the date of the institution of such action shall be deemed to be the date of institution of the action where such date is material for the purpose of determining whether the action is prescribed or not, and such action shall thereafter be proceeded with after such notice has been duly given.
(2): Where after the giving of such notice as required by section 461, the plaint fails to aver the fact of such notice having been given, the court shall permit an amendment of the plaint averring the giving of such notice and if a postponement or adjournment is occasioned in consequence thereof, the court may award such costs as it thinks fit.
(3): No such action as is referred to in section 461 shall be dismissed only for the reason that no notice prior to the institution of action had been given as required by the said section or that a statement that such notice of action has been duly delivered or left has not been averred in the plaint.

No writ against person or property shall be issued against the Attorney-General such
action in any action brought against the State or in any action in which the Attorney-General is substituted as a party defendant under section 463.

If the Attorney-General undertakes the defence of an action against a Minister, Deputy Minister, or public officer, the Attorney-General shall apply to the court, and upon such
application the court shall substitute the name of the Attorney-General as a party defendant in the action.

If such application is not made by the Attorney-General on or before the day fixed in the notice for the defendant to appear and answer to the plaint, the case shall proceed as in

an action between private parties, except that the defendant shall not be liable to arrest, nor his property to attachment, otherwise than in execution of a decree.

party. Minister, Deputy minister or public officer need not appear in person.

Action by or against a corporation, or company.

Service on corporation or company.

Actions against trustees, executors, and administrators

All executors & c, made parties.

Executors and administrators liable in costs.

Husband of executrix not to be made party.

465. In an action against a Minister, Deputy Minister, or public officer in respect of such act as aforesaid, the court shall exempt the defendant from appearing in person when he satisfies the court that he cannot absent himself from his duty without detriment to the transaction of

any business of Parliament, or Cabinet of Ministers, or to the public service. [Sections 466 to 469 (both inclusive) repealed by Law No. 20 of 1977]

CHAPTER XXXIII

ACTIONS BY AND AGAINST CORPORATIONS AND COMPANIES

In actions by or against any corporation, or by or against a board or other public body, or any company authorized to sue or be sued, the name and the style of the corporation, board, public body, or company, or of the officer (if any) in whose name any such corporation, board, public body, or company is authorized to sue and be sued, as the case may be, may be inserted as the name of the plaintiff or defendant; and the plaint or answer may be subscribed on behalf of the corporation, board, public body, or company by any member, director, secretary, manager, or other principal officer thereof who is able to depose to the facts of the case; and in any case in which such corporation, board, public body, or
company is represented by a registered attorney, shall be subscribed by such registered attorney.

When the action is against a corporation, or against a board or other public body, or a

company authorized to sue and be sued in the name of an officer or of a trustee, except in cases where a particular mode of service is directed by law, the summons may be served

(a): by leaving it at the registered office (if any) of the corporation, board, public body, or company; or
(b): by giving it to the secretary or other principal officer of the corporation, board, public body or company; and the court may in such summons or by special order require the personal appearance of such secretary or other principal officer of the corporation, board, public body, or company who may be able to answer material questions relating to the action.

CHAPTER XXXIV

ACTIONS BY AND AGAINST TRUSTEES, EXECUTORS, AND ADMINISTRATORS

In all actions concerning property vested in a trustee, executor, or administrator, when the contention is between the persons beneficially interested in such property and a third person, the trustee, executor, or administrator shall represent persons so interested ; and it
shall not ordinarily be necessary to make them parties to the action. But the court may, if it thinks fit, order them, or any of them, to be made such parties.

When there are several trustees, should be executors, or administrators, they shall all be made parties to an action by or against one or more of them; Provided that executors
who have not proved their testator's will, and trustees, executors, and administrators beyond the local limits of the Jurisdiction of the court, need not be made parties.

In every action brought by an executor or administrator in right of his testator or intestate, such executor or administrator shall, unless the court shall otherwise order, be liable to pay costs to the defendant in case of judgment being entered for the defendant, and in all other cases, in which he would be liable if such plaintiff were suing in his own right upon
a cause of action accruing to himself; and the defendant shall have judgment for such costs, and they shall be recovered accordingly.

Unless the court directs otherwise, the husband of a married executrix or administrator shall not be a party to an action by or against her in her representative capacity.

CHAPTER XXXV ACTIONS BY AND AGAINST MINORS AND PERSONS UNDER

OTHER DISQUALIFICATION

Action by minor.

476. Every action by a minor shall be instituted in his name by an adult person who in such

action shall be designated in the plaint the next friend of the minor, and may be ordered personally to pay any costs in the action as if he were the plaintiff.

Next friend and guardian ad litem.

Procedure where no next friend.

Court may appoint guardian ad litem.

No order to affect minor not represented.

Who may act as next friend.

On cause shown court may remove next friend.

Retirement of next friend.

Death or removal of next friend.

Appointment of new next friend.

477. Every application to the court on behalf of a minor (other than an application under

section 487) shall be made in his name by his next friend or his guardian for the action, and shall be so expressed to be made on the face of the application.

478.

(1): If a plaint be filed by or on behalf of a minor without a next friend, the defendant may apply to have the plaint taken off the file, with costs to be paid by the registered attorney or other person by whom it was presented.
(2): Such application shall be made on summary procedure by the defendant; and the court after hearing the objections, if any, of the person against whom it is made, may make such order in the matter as it thinks fit.

Where the defendant to an action is a minor, the court, on being satisfied of the fact of
his minority, shall appoint a proper person to be guardian for the action for such minor, and generally to act on his behalf in the conduct of the case.

Every order made in an action or on any application before the court in or by which a minor is in any way concerned or affected without such minor being represented by a next friend or guardian for the action, as the case may be, may be discharged on application made on summary procedure for the purpose ; and, if the registered attorney of the party at whose instance such order was obtained knew, or might reasonably have known, the fact of such

minority, it may on such application be discharged with costs to be paid by such registered attorney, provided he was duly made a respondent to the application.

481.

(1): Any person being of sound mind and full age may be appointed next friend of a minor, provided his interest is not adverse to that of such minor and he is not a defendant in the action.
(2): Such appointment shall be made after application by way of summary procedure supported by affidavit showing the fitness of the person proposed, and also that he has no interest adverse to the minor, and to such application the defendant shall be made respondent. And on the occasion of any such application being made the minor should appear personally in court unless prevented by good cause, such as extreme youth or illness.

482. If the interest of the next friend of a minor is adverse to that of such minor, or if he is so connected with a defendant whose interest is adverse to that of the minor as to make it unlikely that the minor's interest will be properly protected by him or if he does not do his duty, or, pending the action, ceases to reside within Sri Lanka, or for any other sufficient cause, application may be made on summary procedure on behalf of the minor or by a

defendant for his removal; and the court (if satisfied of the sufficiency of the cause assigned) may order the next friend to be removed accordingly.

483.

(1): Unless otherwise ordered by the court, a next friend shall not retire at his own request without first procuring a fit person to be put in his place, and giving security for the costs already incurred.
(2): The application for the appointment of a new next friend shall be on summary procedure supported by affidavit, showing the fitness of the person proposed, and also that he has no interest adverse to the minor, and to such application the defendant shall be made respondent.

On the death or removal of the next friend of a minor further proceedings shall be stayed until the appointment of a next friend in his place.
If the registered attorney of such minor omits, within reasonable time, to take steps to

get a new next friend appointed, any person interested in the minor or the matter at issue may, on summary procedure, apply to the court for the appointment of one, making the Minor's right of election on coming of age. Discharge of next friend on minor's election to proceed with action.

Procedure on election of sole plaintiff to abandon on payment of costs. Application to be ex parte.

Procedure on election of a coplaintiff to repudiate.

Procedure when ex-minor applies to have action dismissed as unreasonable or improper.

Minor may in person sue for wages.

Application for appointment of guardian ad litem.

defendant a respondent to the application; and the court may thereupon appoint such person as it thinks fit.

486. A minor plaintiff, or a minor not a party to an action on whose behalf an application is pending, on coming of age, must elect whether he will proceed with the action or application.

487.

(1): If he elects to proceed with it, he shall apply for an order discharging the next friend, and for leave to proceed in his Own name.
(2): The title of the action or application shall, upon such order being made, be altered so as to read thenceforth thus: "A. B; late a minor, by C. D., his next friend, but now of full age ".

If he elects to abandon the action or application he shall, if a sole plaintiff or sole
applicant, apply for an order to dismiss the action or application, on repayment of the costs incurred by the defendant, or respondent, or which may have been paid by his next friend.

Any application under section 487 or section 488 may be made ex pane: and the

affidavit of facts upon which it is based must satisfy the court that the late minor has attained his full age.

490.

(1): A minor CO-plaintiff on coming of age, and desiring to repudiate the action, must apply to have his name struck out as co-plaintiff; and the court, if it finds that he is not a necessary party, shall dismiss him from the action on such terms as to costs or otherwise as it thinks fit.
(2): The next friend as well as the defendant, shall be served with the petition of application as respondent, and it must be proved by affidavit that the late minor has attained his full age ; the costs of all parties of such application and of all or any proceedings theretofore had in the action shall be paid by such persons as the court directs. If the !ate minor be a necessary party to the action, the court may direct him to be made a defendant.

491.

(1): If any minor on attaining majority can prove to the satisfaction of the court that an action instituted in his name by a next friend was unreasonable or improper, he may, if a sole plaintiff, apply by way of summary procedure to have the action dismissed.
(2): Notice of the application shall be served on all the parties concerned, including the next friend, and the court, upon being satisfied of such unreasonableness or impropriety, may grant the application, and order the next friend to pay the costs of all parties in respect of the application and of anything done in the action.

492. Nothing in the foregoing sections shall affect the right of any minor to prosecute any proceedings in a Primary Court for any money which may be due to him for wages or

piecework, or for work as a servant, artificer, or labourer, in the same manner as if he were of full age.

493.

(1): An order for the appointment of a guardian for the action may be obtained upon application on summary procedure in the name and on behalf of the minor or by the plaintiff. Such application must be supported by an affidavit verifying the fact that the proposed guardian has no interest in the matters in question in the action adverse to that of the minor, and that he is a fit person to be so appointed.
(2): On the occasion of such an application being made, the minor ought to appear personally in court unless prevented by good cause, such as extreme youth or illness, from doing so.

When officer of

court may be appointed.

Co-defendant may be appointed.

[2,20 of 2002] Court may remove guardian and litem.

Death of guardian.

Procedure for execution of decree against minor heir.

When court may allow next friend funds for suit.

Next friend may not compound action without leave of court.

This Chapter to apply to persons of unsound mind and mentally deficient persons.

[13,53 of 1980]

Majority, what is. [2,12 of 1996]

Actions by or , against persons in the naval, military or air force.

When there is no other person fit and willing to act as guardian for the action, the court
may appoint any of its officers to be such guardian, provided that he has no interest adverse to that of the minor.

A co-defendant of sound mind and of full age with no interest adverse to that of the minor may be appointed guardian for the action, but a plaintiff cannot be so appointed.

If the guardian for the action of a minor defendant does not do his duty, or if other
sufficient ground be made to appear, the court may remove him and may order him to pay such costs as may have been occasioned to any party by his breach of duty.

If the guardian for the action dies pending such action, or is removed by the court, the court shall appoint a new guardian in his place.

When the enforcement of a decree or order is applied for against the heir or representative, being a minor, of a deceased party, a guardian for the action of such minor
shall be appointed by the court, on an application of summary procedure duly made for this purpose, and the decree- holder shall then serve on such guardian notice of such application.

No sum of money or other thing shall be received or taken by a next friend or guardian for the action on behalf of a minor at any time before decree or order, unless he has first

obtained the leave of the court, and given security to its satisfaction that such money or other thing shall be duly accounted for to, and held for the benefit of, such minor.

500.

(1): No next friend or guardian for the action shall, without the leave of the court, enter into any agreement or compromise on behalf of a minor with reference to the action in which he acts as next friend or guardian.
(2): Any such agreement or compromise entered into without the leave of the court shall be voidable against all parties other than the minor.

501.

(1): The provisions contained in this Chapter shall, mutatis mutandis, apply in the case of persons of unsound mind and mentally deficient persons, adjudged to be so under the provisions of this Ordinance or under any law for the time being in force.
(2): For the purposes of this section, " persons of unsound mind and mentally deficient persons ", mean persons who have been so adjudged under the provisions of this Ordinance or under any law for the time being in force, or where there has been no such adjudication, persons of whom the court is satisfied, after inquiry, to be of unsound mind or mentally deficient and incapable of managing their own affairs.

502. For the purposes of this Chapter, a minor shall be deemed to have attained majority or

full age on his attaining the age of eighteen years, or on marriage, or on obtaining letters of venia aetatis.

CHAPTER XXXVI

ACTIONS BY AND AGAINST PERSONS IN THE NAVAL, employment, the head or other superior officer of the office in which he is employed. Such commanding or other officer shall countersign the authority, which shall be filed in court.

MILITARY, OR AIR SERVICE
503.
(1) When any officer in the naval military, or air service or any sailor, soldier,
or airman actually serving the Government in the capacity of a member of a
naval, military, or air force is a party to an action, and cannot obtain leave of
absence for the purpose of prosecuting or defending the action in person, he
may authorize any person to sue or defend in his stead.
Authority to	(2) The authority shall be in writing, and shall be signed by the party in the
agent.	presence of
	(a) his commanding officer, or of the next subordinate officer if the
	party be himself the commanding officer; or
	(b) where the party is serving in naval, military, or air force staff

(3) When so filed, the counter-signature shall be sufficient proof that the authority was duly executed, and that the party by whom it was granted could not obtain leave of absence for the purpose of prosecuting or defending the action in person.

Explanation 1 In this Chapter the expression " commanding officer" means the officer in actual command for the time being of any ship, regiment, corps, detachment, or naval, military, or air depot to which the party belongs.

Agent may sue or 504. Any person authorized by such party to prosecute or defend an action in his stead may defend in person.

prosecute or defend it in person in the same manner as such party could do if present; or he
may appoint an attorney-at-law to prosecute or defend the action on behalf of such party.
Service of process in such cases.	505. Processes served upon any person authorized by any party under section 503, or upon any attorney-at-law appointed as aforesaid by such person to act for or on behalf of such party, shall be as effectual as if they had been served on the party in person or on his
	registered attorney ; and no process in the action shall be served upon such party personally
	without express order of court.

Copy of summons

506.

may be sent to (1) When any naval, military, or air officer or any sailor, soldier, or airman is a commanding defendant, a copy of the summons shall be sent by the Fiscal to his officer for service.

commanding officer for the purpose of being served on him. The officer to whom such copy is sent shall cause it to be served on the person to whom it is addressed, if practicable, and shall return it to the Fiscal with the written acknowledgment of such person endorsed thereon.

(2): The officer to whom such copy is sent shall cause it to served on the person to whom it is addressed, if practicable, and shall return it to Fiscal with the written acknowledgment of such person endorsed thereon.
(3): If from any cause the copy cannot be so served, it shall be returned to the Fiscal by whom it was sent, with information of the cause which has prevented the service.

Warrant of arrest

507.

may likewise be (1) If, in the execution of a decree, a warrant of arrest or other process is to delivered for be executed within the limits of a cantonment, garrison, or naval, military, or execution.

air station, the officer charged with the execution of such warrant or other process shall deliver the same to the commanding officer.

(2) The commanding officer shall, if the person named therein is by law liable to arrest, back the warrant or other process with his signature, and shall in the case of a warrant of arrest cause such person, if within the limits of his command, to be arrested and delivered to the officer so charged.

CHAPTER XXXVII ACTIONS OF ACCOUNT Actions of

508. When the claim which is made in the plaint, or is set up in the answer, is such that the account.

action cannot be disposed of, or a complete and final decree made in the matter thereof between the parties without the taking of accounts, or the making inquiry into facts, or the demarcation of land, or the realization of assets, as the case may be, it shall be competent to the court to adjudicate piecemeal upon the matters in issue, and in such adjudications to make interlocutory decrees or orders of a final character between the parties at hearings had by successive adjournments; and, in particular, to take any accounts, and to make an inquiry into facts separately from the remaining matter of the action on a day to be appointed for the purpose, and to issue the necessary directions or commissions for the demarcation of land or realization of assets, and to adjourn the hearing from time to time for further orders or directions, or for final determination, to such dates as may be necessary or convenient to enable the accounts to be taken, the inquiries made, and the demarcation of land or realization of assets, as the case may be, to be effected, in the interval.

Interlocutory order for taking accounts, & c.

Form and scope of order.

The taking of the accounts.

Reasonable care to be taken in appointing the days for the purpose.

Procedure where party makes default.

What provision apply when an order is made in an action for an inquiry. Adjournment of the hearing until after the accounts & c shall have been taken.

In any such case the order of adjournment for the purpose of the accounts being taken, inquiries made, or commissions or directions issued, must adjudicate (either by consent or upon admissions of the parties, or upon other sufficient evidence) upon so much of the rights of, or of the fiduciary relations between, the parties, which are at issue in the action, as may suffice to give rise to the liability of the respective parties affected by the order
to account, or may serve to render the inquiries, directions, or commissions thereby directed proper and necessary.

Every order directing an account to be taken, or giving leave to a party to falsify or to surcharge an account, shall appoint a day for the filing of the account or of the document of falsification or surcharge, and also a subsequent time for the opposing party to file objections thereto, and again a later time for the hearing and determination of the issues between the
parties arising out of the objections, and for the finding on the footing of such determination of the state of the account directed to be taken.

The account directed to be taken, before it is filed, must be verified on oath or affirmation by the accounting party. Objections to the account may be filed by any party concerned in the right taking of the accounts and may be directed as well to adding new entries or enhancing existing entries on the debit side of the accounting party, as to falsifying the account given by him in any particular. And the trial of the issues arising out of the objections to the account shall conform, as nearly as may be, in regard to the order and
method of proceeding and the taking of evidence, to the rules hereinbefore laid down for the trial of a regular action.

The day for filing the account directed to be taken, and the times for filing the objections thereto, and for the hearing and determination of the issues arising there out, shall respectively be fixed with a due regard to the circumstances of the matter and the situation of the parties therein, so that reasonable opportunity may be afforded to the accounting party to
make out his account, to the opposing party to examine the same and to satisfy himself in respect to its correctness, and to all panics to prepare for trial.

In the event of the accounting party not duly filing his account, and not satisfying the court that there is just cause for his default, the court shall proceed with the hearing of the matter of the account and adjudicate upon the same on the day appointed therefor by finding the actual state of the account directed to be taken upon such materials as may be furnished by the opposing party: Provided, nevertheless, that any reasonable extension of time which may be bona fide required by any party, either for filing accounts or objections thereto, or for preparing for trial, may be granted by the court on such terms as it may think proper, if such extension of time
be applied for at the earliest possible moment, upon materials showing good and sufficient ground, and upon notice to the other parties concerned.

When an order is made in an action for an inquiry into facts, the foregoing rules shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to the making of the order, the filing of the state of facts and of the
objections thereto, or counter state of facts, and to the trial of the issues arising there out respectively, so nearly as reasonably may be.

When the hearing of an action is adjourned for the intermediate taking of accounts, making of inquiries, or execution of commissions , or of other directory orders, the interval of adjournment shall be adjusted with immediate reference to the proceedings prescribed by the foregoing rules for such interlocutory matter, so as to allow of its being conveniently completed before the resumption of the hearing so adjourned. And the order for adjournment shall include or comprehend the orders and directions requisite under these rules for the taking of the accounts or executing the other matters for which the adjournment is made: Provided, nevertheless, that any reasonable extension of the time of adjournment which may seem to the court necessary, or which may be bona fide required by any party, in consequence of extension of time being granted for, or of delay in, or prolongation of, the proceedings of the interlocutory matters, or upon other good and sufficient ground shown by

proper evidence, may be ordered by the court either on the day to which the hearing is adjourned, or upon any other day, provided reasonable notice of the application to the court Deposit of the will of deceased. [4,14 of 1993]

Application for probate or administration.

[4,14 of 1993]

Probate or administration compulsory when there is a will.

[4,14 of 1993]

When Public Trustee may be appointed.

[4,14 of 1993]

Security. [4,14 of 1993]

Application for administration by the Public for the extension of the time of adjournment be afforded to all parties.

CHAPTER XXXVIII TESTAMENTARY ACTIONS

516. When any person shall die leaving a will in Sri Lanka, the person in of whose keeping or custody it shall have been deposited, or who shall find such will after the testator's death, shall produce the same to the District Court of the district in which such depository or finder resides, or to the District Court of the district in which the testator shall have died, as soon as reasonably may be after the testator's death. And he shall also make oath or affirmation, or produce an affidavit (form No. 81, First Schedule) verifying the time and place of death, and stating (if such is the fact) that the testator has left property within the jurisdiction of that or any other, and in that event what, court, and the nature and value of such property; or, if such is the fact, that such testator has left no property in Sri Lanka.

The will so produced shall be numbered and initialed by the Probate Officer and deposited and kept in the record room of the District Court.

517.

(1): When any person shall die leaving a will under or by virtue of which any property in Sri Lanka is in any way affected, any person appointed executor therein may apply to the District Court of the district within which he resides, or within which the testator resided at the time of his death, or within which any land belonging to the testator's estate is situate, within the time limit and in the manner specified in section 524, to have the will proved and to have probate thereof granted to him; any person interested, either by virtue of the will or otherwise, in having the property of the testator administered, may also apply to such court to have the will proved and to obtain grant to himself of administration of the estate with copy of the will annexed.
(2): If any person who would be entitled to administration is absent from Sri Lanka a grant of letters of administration with or without the will annexed, as the case may require, may be made to the duly constituted attorney of such person.

In every case where a will is deposited in court after the coming into operation of this Chapter, and no application has been made by any person to have the will proved and probate granted in respect thereof, the court shall in accordance with the procedure set out in respect of the grant of probate or letters of administration on application made thereto, proceed to grant probate of the will, to the executor or executors named in such will, or letters of administration with or without the will annexed, as the case may require, to some person who by the provisions of the last preceding section is competent to apply for the same, or to some other person who in the opinion of the court, by reason of consanguinity, amount of interest, the safety of the estate and probability that it will be properly administered, is a
proper person to be appointed administrator and in every such case letters of administration may be limited or not in manner hereinafter provided, as the court thinks fit.

Where there is no person fit and proper in the opinion of the court to be appointed administrator in the manner provided, in the last preceding section or no such person is
willing to be so appointed, and not in any other case, the court shall appoint the Public Trustee as administrator.

In every case in which it is found necessary, whether by reason of such executor as aforesaid not applying for probate, or by reason of there being no executor resident in Sri Lanka competent and wiling to act, or by reason of no person who is competent under section 517 to apply for letters of administration, so applying, that any such person as is mentioned, in section 518 should be appointed administrator, the court shall take from such person security for the due administration of the estate, and shall for this purpose require such person to enter into a Bond with two good and sufficient sureties in form No. 90 in the

First Schedule, for the due administration of the deceased person's property, and it shall not in any case be competent for the court to dispense with such security.

521.

(1) Whenever the Public Trustee applies for letters of administration, it shall be

Trustee. [4,14 of 1993]

Duties of Public Trustee in administering estates.

[4,14 of 1993]

To whom grant should be made.

[4,14 of 1993]

Mode of application and proof in case of a will.

[4,14 of 1993]

sufficient if the petition presented for the grant of such letters states

(a): the time and place of the death of the deceased to the best of the knowledge and belief of the petitioner;
(b): the names and addresses of the heirs of the deceased, if known;
(c): the full and true particulars of the property left by the deceased as far as he has been able to ascertain the same;
(d): particulars of the liabilities of the estate, if known.

(2) The Public Trustee shall not be required to file accounts of the property of the deceased unless the court otherwise directs.

522. Whenever the Public Trustee has obtained probate in respect of a will or grant of letters 01 administration in respect of the estate of a deceased person, he shall as far as

practicable, comply with the provisions of this Chapter relating to the administration of estates:

Provided that the Public Trustee shall not be required

(a): to take any oath as executor or administrator;
(b): to furnish any bond or security, but shall be subject to the same liability and dues as if he had given such bond or security;
(c): to affix stamps on any document at or about the time of the making of such document; but shall eventually make such payment as required by the Stamp Ordinance;
(d): unless the court otherwise directs, to tender final accounts.

523. In the case of a conflict of claims to have the will proved and probate or grant of administration issued, the claim of an executor or his attorney shall be preferred to that of all others, and the claim of a creditor shall be postponed to the claim of a residuary legatee or devisee under the will. And in the like case of a conflict of claims for grant of administration where there is intestacy, the claim of the widow or widower shall be preferred to all others, and the claim of an heir to that of a creditor:

Provided, however, that the court may for good cause supersede the claim of the widow or widower.

524.

(1) Every application to the District Court to have the will of a deceased person proved, shall be made within a period of three months from the date of finding of the will, and shall be made by way of petition and affidavit and such petition shall set out in numbered paragraphs

(a): the fact of the making of the will;
(b): the details and the situation of the deceased's property;

[2, 38 of (bb) the heirs of the deceased to the best of the petitioner's 1998]

knowledge;

(c): the grounds upon which the petitioner is entitled to have the will proved; and
(d): the character in which the petitioner claims (whether as creditor, executor, administrator, residuary legatee, legatee heir or devisee).

(2): If the will is not already deposited in the District Court in which the application is made, it must either be appended to the petition, or must be brought into court and identified by affidavit, with the will as an exhibit thereto, or by parol testimony at the time the application is made.
(3): Every person making or intending to make, an application to a District Court under this section to have the will of a deceased person proved, which will is deposited in another District Court, is entitled to procure the latter court to transmit the said will to the court to which application is to be made, for the purpose of such application. Also the application must be supported by sufficient evidence either in the shape of affidavits of facts, with the will as an exhibit thereto, or of oral testimony, proving that the will was duly executed

Duty to report where person dies leaving property exceeding five hundred thousand rupees in value.

[4,14 of 1993]

Who may apply for letters of administration.

[4,14 of 1993]

Administration compulsory where estate is over five hundred thousand rupees in value.

[4,14 of 1993]

Mode of application for letters of administration or certificates of heirship.

[4,14 of 1993]

according to law, and establishing the character of the petitioner according to his claim.

(4) The petitioner shall tender with the petition

(a): draft order nisi;
(b): the requisite stamps for the order nisi and service thereof;
(c): draft notice of order nisi in the form No. 84A in the First Schedule;
(d): the consent in writing of such respondents as consent to his application,

When any person shall die in Sri Lanka without leaving a will, it shall be the duty of the widow, widower, or next of kin of such person, if such person shall have left property in Sri Lanka amounting to or exceeding in value five hundred thousand rupees, within one month of the date of his death to report such death to the District Court of the district in which he shall have so died, and at the same time to make oath or affirmation or produce an affidavit verifying the time and place of such death, and stating if such is the fact, that the intestate
has left property within the jurisdiction of that or any other, and in that event what court, and the nature and value of such property.

When any person shall die without leaving a will or where the will cannot be found, and such person shall have left property in Sri Lanka

any person interested in having the estate of the deceased administered may apply for the grant to himself of letters of administration; or
any heir of the deceased may apply for the issue of certificates of heir ship to each of the heirs entitled to succeed to the estate of the deceased.

Such application shall be made in accordance with section 528 to the District Court of the district within which the applicant resides, or within which the deceased resided at the time of his death, or within which any land belonging to the deceased's estate is situate.

527. In case no person shall apply for the grant of letters of administration or for the issue of certificates of heir ship, as the case may be, and it appears to the court necessary or convenient to appoint some person to administer the estate or any part thereof, it shall be lawful for the court in its discretion, and in every such case where the estate amounts to, or exceeds in value, five hundred thousand rupees, the court shall in accordance with the procedure set out in this Chapter appoint some person, whether he would under ordinary circumstances be entitled to take out administration or otherwise, to administer the estate,

and the provisions of sections 518 to 521, both inclusive, shall apply, so far as the same can be made applicable, to any such appointment.

528.

(2): The application shall be supported by sufficient evidence to afford prima facie proof of the material averments in the petition, and shall name the next of kin of the deceased as respondents. If the petitioner has no reason to suppose that his application will be opposed by any person, he shall file with his petition an affidavit to that effect.

Publication of

529.

notice relating to (1) Every application to a District Court under section 524 or 528 shall be application under received by the Probate Officer of the District Court, and shall be registered in section 524 or a separate register to be maintained for that purpose by the Probate Officer 528.

who shall thereafter cause the required publications to be made in terms of

[4,14 of 1993]

subsection (2).

(2) The Probate Officer of a District Court shall, on any day of the week commencing on the third Sunday of every month cause a notice in form No. 84 in the First Schedule to be published in a prescribed local newspaper in Sinhala, Tamil and English, incorporating the information relating to

(i): every application under section 524 or 528 received by that District Court in the preceding one month ; and
(ii): every application under section 524 or 528 received by that District Court and incorporated for the first time in the notice published in respect of such District Court in the previous month,

so however that the information in respect of every application under section 524 or 528 received by every District Court is published on two separate occasions in two consecutive months.

(3): The notice published under subsection (2), shall call upon persons having objections to the making of an order declaring any will proved, or the grant of probate or of letters of administration with or without the will annexed, or the issue of certificates of heir ship to any person to whom the notice relates, to submit their written objections, if any, supported by affidavit, before such date as is specified in the notice, being a date not earlier than sixty days and not later than sixty-seven days from the date of the first publication referred to in subsection (2).
(4): Copies of such objections if any, shall be forwarded by the person making the same to the person making the application under section 524 or 528, as the case may be, and shall also be served on the other parties named in such objections.

Appointment of 530. If any of the heirs, legatees or beneficiaries named in such notice is a minor without a guardian or natural guardian, or person of unsound mind, without a guardian, steps shall be taken for the manager.

appointment of a guardian or manager, upon the making of an application to the District

[4,14 of 1993]

Judge, which application shall be heard in Chambers. Order on

531.

application made (1) If no objections are received in relation to any application received under under section 524 section 524 or 528 in response to a notice published under section 529, on or or 528.

before the date specified in such notice in respect of such application, the

[4,14 of 1993]

court shall

(a) in the case of an application under section 524, if the court is satisfied that the evidence adduced is sufficient to afford prima facie proof as to the due making of the will and the character of the petitioner, it shall make order declaring the will to be proved and if the applicant claims

(i): as the executor or one of the executors of the will, and asks that probate thereof be granted to him the order shall declare that he is executor, and shall direct the grant of probate to him accordingly, subject to the conditions hereinafter prescribed; or
(ii): in any other character than that of executor, and asks that the administration of the deceased's property

Procedure where there are objections to applications under section 524 or

528. [4,14 of 1993]

Effect of acting in pursuance of a certificate of heirship.

[4,14 of 1993]

At final hearing court to frame issues.

[4,14 of 1993]

Orders that may be made on final hearing.

be granted to him, then the order shall include a grant to the applicant of a power to administer the deceased's property according to the will with a copy of the will annexed; or

(c): in the case of an application under section 528 for the issue of certificates of heir ship, make order for the grant of letters of administration, instead, to some person entitled to take out administration, subject to the conditions hereafter prescribed, if in the opinion of court it is necessary to appoint some person to administer the estate.

(2): The certificates of heir ship issued under subsection (1) (b) (ii) above shall be sufficient proof of the true heirs of the deceased referred to therein, and may be produced for the purpose of claiming any share in respect of any right, title or interest, accruing upon intestacy.
(3): For the purpose of making an order under subsection (1), the Probate Officer shall submit all papers, relevant to the application in question, to the District Judge in Chambers on the day following the date specified in the notice published under section 529, in respect of such application and the court shall forthwith make an appropriate order.

532.

(1): If any objections are received in relation to any application under section 524 or 528 in response to a notice published under section 529, on or before the date specified in such notice in respect of such application, the court shall proceed to hear, try and determine such application in accordance with the procedure herein provided and may for such purpose name a day for final hearing and disposal of such application and may in addition, make such order as it may consider necessary under section 541 hereof.
(2): For the purpose of making an order under subsection (1), the Probate Officer shall submit all papers, relevant to the application in question, to the District Judge in Chambers on the day following the date specified in the notice published under section 529.

532A. Where upon the production of a certificate of heir ship issued by a District Court, under section 531(1) (b) (ii), any money, movable property or certificate is handed over or transferred in pursuance of such certificate, by any bank or institution to any heir entitled to the same, such handing over or transfer shall be deemed to be in discharge of an obligation to the deceased in respect of whose estate the certificate of heir ship is so issued.

533. If on the day appointed for final hearing, or on the day to which it may have been duly adjourned the respondent or any person upon whom the order nisi has been directed to be served, or any person then appearing to be interested in the administration of the deceased's property, satisfies the court that there are grounds of objection to the application, such as ought to be tried on viva voice evidence, then the court shall frame the issues which appear

to arise between the parties, and shall direct them to be tried on a day to be then appointed for the purpose under section 386.

534

(1) If at the final hearing, or on the determination of the issues thus framed it shall appear to the court

[4,14 of 1993]

Procedure where corporation is appointed administrator or executor.

[4,14 of 1993]

Who may file caveat.

[4,14 of 1993]

Power to recall, revoke or cancel probate administration or certificate of heirship.

[4,14 of 1993]

Transitional for

(a): that the prima facie proof of the material averments in the application have not been rebutted, the court shall forthwith make order for the grant of probate or letters of administration with the will annexed or grant of administration only subject to the conditions hereinafter prescribed, or for the issue of certificates of heir ship, as the case may be; or
(b): that the prima facie proof of the material averments in the petition have been rebutted then the court shall dismiss the petition, and in the event of any person who has filed objections having at such hearing, or trial of issues, established his right to have probate or administration of the deceased's estate granted to him instead of to the petitioner, then the court shall further make an order to that effect in his favour subject to the conditions hereinafter prescribed; or
(c): that any person listed in the petition as an heir is not in fact an heir, or that any other person not listed in the petition as an heir has established his right to be recognised as an heir, then the court shall make an order accordingly; or
(d): that, in the case of an application for the issue of certificates of heir ship to the heirs of any deceased, that letters of administration ought to be granted instead, for the administration of the estate of such deceased, then the court shall make order for the grant of administration in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, subject to the conditions hereinafter prescribed.

(2) The dismissal of any petition shall not be a bar to a renewal of the application by the petitioner as long as grant either of probate of the deceased's will, or of administration of his property, shall not have been made, either on the occasion of this application or subsequently thereto, to some person other than the petitioner.

535.

(1): Where a corporation is appointed executor under a will either alone or jointly with another person, the court may grant probate to such corporation either solely or jointly with such other person as the case may require, and the corporation may act as executor accordingly.
(2): Letters of administration may be granted to any corporation either solely or jointly with another person and the corporation may act as administrator accordingly.
(3): Any officer, authorized for the purpose by such corporation, may swear affidavits, take the oath of office, give security, and do any other act or thing, which the court may require on behalf of the corporation and the acts of such officer shall be binding on the corporation.

At any time after the notice published under section 529 and before the final hearing of the petition, it shall be competent to any person interested in the will or in the deceased person's property or estate, though not a person specified in the petition, to intervene, by filling in the same court a caveat as set out in form No. 93 in the First Schedule against the
allowing of the petitioner's claim or a notice of opposition thereto, and the court may permit such person to file objections, if any, and may adjourn the final hearing of the petition.

In any case where a certificate of heir ship has issued, or probate of a deceased person's will or administration of a deceased person's property has been granted it shall be competent to the District Court to cancel the said certificate, or recall the said probate or grant of administration, and to revoke the grant thereof, upon being satisfied that the certificate should not have been issued or that the will ought not to have been held proved, or that the grant of probate or of administration ought not to have been made; and it shall also be competent to the District Court to recall the probate or grant of administration, at any time

upon being satisfied that events have occurred which render the administration here under impracticable or useless.

recall & c. [4,14 of 1993]

Inventory and valuation.

[4,14 of 1993]

Limited probate or administration.

[4,14 of 1993]

538. All applications for the cancellation, recall or revocation of certificates of heir ship, probate or grant of administration shall be made by petition, in pursuance of the rules of summary procedure, and no such application shall be entertained unless the petitioner shows

in his petition that he has such an interest in the estate of the deceased person as entitles him in the opinion of the court to make such application.

539.

(1): In every case where an order has been made, by a District Court declaring any person entitled to have probate of a deceased person's will, or administration of a deceased person's property granted to him it shall be the duty of the said person, executor or administrator, in whose favour such order is made, to take within fifteen days of the making of such order, the oath of an executor or administrator as set out in form No. 92 in the First Schedule, and thereafter to file in court within a period of one month from the date of taking of the oath, an inventory of the deceased person's property and effects, with a valuation of the same as set out in form No. 92 in the First Schedule and the court shall forthwith grant probate or letters of administration, as the case may be.
(2): Upon the making of an order under section 531(1) (b) (ii) declaring any person entitled to have issued to him a certificate of heir ship, the court shall forthwith issue such certificate to such person.

540. It is competent to the District Court to make a grant of probate or a grant of administration, limited, either in respect to its duration, or in respect to the property to be

administered thereunder, or to the power of dealing with that property which is conveyed by the grant, in the following cases :

(a): When the original will of the deceased person has been lost since the testator's death, but a copy has been preserved, probate of that copy may be granted, limited until the original be brought into court.
(b): In the like event, and with the like limitation, if no copy has been preserved, probate of a draft will may be granted, or if in addition no draft is available, then probate of the contents or of the substance and effect of the will, so far as they can be established by evidence, may be granted.
(c): When the original will is in the hands of some person residing out of Sri Lanka, who cannot be compelled to give it up to the executor, and if the executor produces a copy, then probate of that copy may be granted, limited until the original be brought into court, if, however, the will has been duly proved out of Sri Lanka, probate may be granted, to the executor on a proper exemplification of the foreign probate without any limitation in the grant.
(d): If the sole executor of a will does, or if there are more executors than one and all the executors reside, out of Sri Lanka, or such of the executors as reside in Sri Lanka decline to act, then the court may grant administration, with copy of the will annexed to any person within Sri Lanka, as attorney of the executor or of the executors, who shall be appointed for that purpose by power of attorney, the grant so made being limited for the use and benefit of the principal until the executor or one of the executors comes in and obtains probate for himself. If the document admitted to proof in this case be a copy of, or substitute for the original on account of the original itself not being forthcoming by reason of one of the just-mentioned causes, the grant shall further be limited until the original is brought into court: Provided also, that if the person applying for the grant is not the attorney of all the executors, where there are more than one, the grant of administration shall not be made to him until the remaining executors have declined to act.
(e): In the case of a will, and there being no executor within Sri Lanka willing to act, grant of administration with copy of the will annexed may be made to the attorney of an absent residuary legatee, or heir limited until the principal shall come in and obtain administration for himself; or in the like case, the grant may be made to the guardian of a minor residuary legatee, within Sri Lanka, limited during the minority, or to the manager of the estate of a residuary legatee who is of unsound mind, within Sri Lanka, limited during the

Administration pendente lite.

[4,14 of 1993]

Power of administration when not limited.

[4,14 of 1993]

Issue of letters ad colligenda.

[4,14 of 1993]

unsoundness of mind.

(f): In the case of intestacy, grant of administration of the deceased person's property may be made, limited in like manner to the guardian of a minor heir or to the manager of the estate of an heir who is of unsound mind.
(g): The court may grant probate or administration limited to any particular property or for any particular purpose, in any case where it considers that a larger grant is unnecessary. In all the foregoing cases, the material and relevant facts necessary to justify the court in making the limited grant must be set out in the petition of application, and must be established by prima facie evidence before the order is made.

541.

(2): Before making an order for grant of letters under this section, the respondents to the original petition for probate or letters of administration, or certificates of heir ship shall be given notice of the application and they or any other person interested in the estate shall be heard in opposition unless they or any of them shall have signified their assent to such sale.

If no limitation is expressed in the order making the grant, then the power of administration, which is authenticated by the grant of probate, or is conveyed by the grant of letters of administration, extends to every portion of the deceased person's property, movable and immovable, within Sri Lanka, other than such property as is deemed under section 554A not to be the property of the deceased, or so much thereof as is not administered, and endures for the life of the executor or administrator or until the whole of the said property is
administered, according as the death of the executor or administrator, or the completion of the administration, first occurs.

If any person shall die leaving property in Sri Lanka, the Judge of the court of any district in which such property shall be situate shall, on the facts being verified to his satisfaction and it being made to appear that there is not some next of kin or other person in Sri Lanka, entitled to administration of the estate of the person so dying, issue letters ad

colligenda in the form No. 91 in the First Schedule to one or more responsible persons to take charge of such property until the same shall be claimed by some executor or

Nomination. [4,14 of 1993] [ 2,34 of 2000]

No action maintainable in certain cases.

[4,14 of 1993]

Probate when executor is appointed for a administrator lawfully entitled to administer the same, or by any heir to whom a certificate of heir ship shall have been issued.

544. [ 2,4 of 2005] (1) Any person over sixteen years of age who has

(a) moneys in any account, other than a current account, in any licensed Commercial Bank or licensed Specialized Bank, within the meaning of the Banking Act, No. 30 of 1988;

[3,20 of (b) any share in a company registered in terms of the Companies 2002]

Act, No. 17 of 1982 or established under any written law for the time being in force ; or

(c): any life insurance policy issued by the Insurance Corporation of Sri Lanka, established by the Insurance Corporation Act, No. 2 of 1961, or by any corporation incorporated under the Insurance, (Special Provisions) Act, No. 22 of 1979, or by any company registered under the Control of Insurance Act, No. 25 of 1962, as being authorised to transact insurance business;
(d): any money in deposit in any finance company registered under the Finance Companies Act, No. 78 of 1988;

[3,34 of (e) any other movable property in any vault, in any licensed 2000]

Commercial Bank or licensed Specialized Bank, within the meaning of the Banking Act, No. 30 of 1988.

[ 2,4 of 2005] (f) any instrument relating to any monetary interest (other than a bearer instrument or a negotiable instrument) issued by a company or other body of persons established in terms of any law for the time being in force.

For the purposes of paragraph (f) of this subsection

[ 2,4 of 2005] "instrument" means a legally enforceable agreement expressing a contractual right to the payment of money ; and "bearer instrument" means a negotiable instrument transferable from one person to another, upon certain conditions being met.".

(2): A nomination made under subsection (1) shall have effect upon the death of the nominator notwithstanding anything in his last will to the contrary.
(3): Any nomination made under subsection (1) shall be deemed to be revoked by the death of the nominee in the lifetime of the nominator or by written notice of revocation signed by the nominator in the presence of a witness (who shall attest the signature of the nominator) or by any subsequent nomination made by the nominator.
(4): No money, certificates or other movable property shall be handed by the Bank or institution, as the case may be, to any nominee unless the nominee satisfies the Bank or institution as to his true identity.
(5): The handing over, or transferring of, any money, share certificate or deposit certificate or other movable property to any nominee of a nominator who has died, shall be a complete discharge of the obligations of the Bank or institution, in respect of the money, or other movable property, lying to the credit of, or in the name of, such nominator, or under such insurance policy.

545. No person shall

(a): maintain any action for the recovery of any property; or
(b): effect any transfer of any property,

movable or immovable, in Sri Lanka, belonging to, or included in, the estate or effects of any person dying testate or intestate in or out of Sri Lanka within twenty years prior to the institution of action or the effecting of the transfer, unless grant of probate has been issued in the case of a person dying testate or letters of administration or certificates of heir ship have been issued, in the case of a person dying intestate and leaving an estate amounting to, or exceeding, five hundred thousand rupees in value.

546. When a person is appointed executor of a will for a particular purpose only of the will,

and not executor of the will generally, probate will be granted to him limited for that purpose only.

limited period.

[4,14 of 1993] Fresh grant, when allowed.

[4,14 of 1993]

Rectification of errors.

[4,14 of 1993]

Compensation of executors and administrators.

[4,14 of 1993]

Compensation of several executors.

[4,14 of 1993]

When a sole executor or a sole surviving executor to whom probate has been granted, or a sole administrator or a sole surviving administrator to whom a grant of administration has been made, dies leaving a part of the deceased's property unadministered, then a fresh grant
of administration may be made in respect of the property left unadministered according to the rules hereinbefore prescribed for a first grant.

Errors in names and descriptions, or in setting forth the time and place of the deceased's death or the purpose in a limited grant, may be rectified by the court, and
probate, letters of administration or certificates of heir ship so granted or issued may be altered and amended accordingly.

Compensation shall be allowed to executors and administrators by way of commission as well on property not sold but retained by the heirs, as on property sold by such executors and administrators, at such rate not exceeding three per centum, and on cash found in the estate and on property specially bequeathed, at such rate not exceeding one and a half per centum, as the court shall, after taking into consideration the circumstances of each particular case with reference to the trouble incurred by such executors or administrators, determine. In no case shall a larger sum than five thousand rupees be allowed to any executor or administrator as such compensation, unless it shall be made apparent to the court that such
unusual trouble has fallen upon him as to entitle him, in the opinion of the court, to receive further remuneration.

Each executor or administrator shall be entitled to the full compensation allowed by law to a sole executor or administrator, unless there are more than three, in which case the compensation to which three would be entitled shall be apportioned among them all according to the services rendered by them respectively, and a like apportionment shall be made in all cases where there shall be more than one executor or administrator. But where the will provides a specific compensation for an executor or administrator, he shall not be

entitled to any allowance other than that so provided, unless he files in court a written renunciation of the specific compensation.

Filing of accounts. _{₅₅₁_.}

Every executor and administrator shall file in the District Court, on or before the

[4,14 of 1993]

Executor or administrator failing to administer within one year liable for interest.

[4,14 of 1993] Offences.

[4,14 of 1993]

expiration of twelve months from the date upon which probate or grant of administration issued to him, or within such further time as the court may allow, a true and final account of his executor ship or administration, as the case may be, verified on oath or affirmation, with all receipts and vouchers attached, and may at the same time pay into court any money which may have come to his hands in the course of his administration to which any minor or minors may be entitled: Provided that where the parties consent, the filing of such account and payment shall be dispensed with on payment of the stamp duty that would have been otherwise payable on the filing of such account, and the proceedings shall then be closed.

552. If any executor or administrator shall fail to pay over to the creditors, heirs, legatees, or other persons the sums of money to which they are respectively entitled within one year after probate or administration is granted, such executor or administrator shall be liable to pay

interest out of his own funds for all sums which he shall retain in his own hands after that period, unless he can show good and sufficient cause for such detention.

553.

(1): Any person who wilfully conceals the existence of a will or knowingly fails to comply with the provisions of section 516 shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to a fine equivalent to the value of the estate dealt with in the will.

is required to be set out,

Transitional

554.

provisions. [4,14 of 1993]

Interpretation.

554A.

[4,14 of 1993]

in any application made under section 524 or 528, shall be guilty of an offence and be liable to a fine equivalent to the value of the share or shares devolving on the heir or heirs who have not been disclosed or the value of the property with regard to which the false statement has been made, as the case may be.

(1): Where a person has died without leaving a will in Sri Lanka prior to the date on which this Chapter comes into operation, and testamentary proceedings have not commenced in respect of the estate of such person, the provisions of this Chapter shall apply to the administration of such estate.
(2): Where an application has been made to any District Court prior to the date on which this Chapter comes into operation, for the issue of probate of a will or the grant of letters of administration in respect of an estate the value of which is over rupees five hundred thousand, and an order nisi has not been made, such application shall be deemed to be an application made under section 524 or 528, as the case may be, and shall be heard and disposed of in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
(3): Where an application has been made to any District Court prior to the date on which this Chapter comes into operation, for the grant of letters of administration, in respect of an estate the value of which is less than rupees five hundred thousand, and an order nisi has not been made, such application shall be terminated on the coming into operation of this Chapter: Provided however, if it appears to court that it is necessary or convenient to grant letters of administration or certificates of heir ship, as the case may be, to any person interested in having the estate of such deceased person administered, or where any heir of such deceased person is interested in obtaining certificates of heir ship in respect of such estate, the court may in its discretion, permit the continuation of such action.
(1): In this Chapter, "Probate Officer" means the Registrar of the District Court and includes any other officer generally or specially authorized by the court to exercise the powers and perform the duties of a Probate Officer, in testamentary proceedings.

CHAPTER XXXVIIIA

INSOLVENT TESTAMENTARY ESTATES

When the estate

554F. The estate of a deceased person shall be deemed to be insolvent-

of a deceased

(i) If upon the basis of a valuation of his assets and liabilities as at the date of

person is deemed

his death or at any time subsequent thereto, it appears that the assets are or

to be insolvent.

will be insufficient to pay in full the funeral, testamentary and administration

[87,20 of 1977]

expenses relating to the estate, and the claims of creditors ; or

(ii) if owing to execution proceedings being taken against the deceased or his

Where estate insolvent, applicant for probate, & c, to take steps to have it so declared.

[87,20 of 1977]

Where estate insolvent, executor or administrator to take steps to have it so declared.

[87,20 of 1977]

Creditor, & c, may also apply for adjudication of estate as insolvent.

[87,20 of 1977]

Order nisi declaring estate insolvent.

[87,20 of 1977] When order nisi to be served.

[87,20 of 1977]

Person interested may intervene.

[87,20 of 1977]

Order absolute to be advertised

[87,20 of 1977]

Actions and execution proceedings to be estate or the difficulty of realizing any of the assets of the estate, or because of disputed claims, or for any other sufficient reason, the estate should be administered as an insolvent estate for the benefit of all parties interested in the estate.

554G.

(2): In the petition so filed, the persons who are required to be named as respondents to the application for probate or letters, shall be made respondents.

554H.

(1): Where after grant of probate or letters an estate is deemed to be insolvent, the executor or administrator shall file a petition by way of summary procedure for an adjudication that the estate shall be deemed to be insolvent, and such petition shall set out the material facts and the lists as are required to be filed under the last preceding section.
(2): In such petition all persons named in the original petition for grant of probate or letters shall be made respondents.

554J.

(1): It shall be competent for a creditor, heir. beneficiary, or other person interested in the estate, similarly to make application for adjudication that the estate should be deemed to be insolvent, and the provisions of section 554G shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to such application.
(2): The applicant for probate or letters or the executor or administrator of the estate, shall in addition be made respondent to such application.

554K. Upon the court being satisfied that the facts stated in the petition are prima facie established, it shall enter a testamentary insolvency order nisi declaring the estate to be insolvent in the form No. 93A in the First Schedule.

554L. A copy of the testamentary insolvency order nisi shall be served on each the respondents named therein and notice of such order nisi in the form No. 93B in the First Schedule shall be advertised at the expense of the petitioner not later than one month prior to the date fixed in such order nisi for the determination of the matters contained therein in

accordance with the provisions of section 532. 554M. Any person interested in the estate shall be entitled to appear on the day fixed therein and may show cause or support the application, and the court may after due inquiry

in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XXIV, either dismiss the petition or make the testamentary insolvency order nisi absolute.

554N. The testamentary insolvency order absolute shall be in the form No. 93C in the First Schedule, and shall be advertised in the same manner as the order nisi and in such other manner if any, as the court shall consider necessary in the circumstances of the case.

554P. As from the date on which the testamentary insolvency order nisi declaring the estate insolvent is made, all actions in respect of admitted claims and all execution proceedings against the estate of the deceased shall be stayed, subject however, to the right

stayed after such order nisi.

[87,20 of 1977]

When court may point fit administer estate.

[87,20 of 1977]

How insolvent estate to be distributed.

[87,20 of 1977]

Powers and obligations of executors and administrators.

[87,20 of 1977] Administration of estates not to be saved due to appeal .

[87,20 of 1977]

Sealing of foreign probates or letters of administration.

[87,20 of 1977]

Conditions to be fulfilled before sealing.

Security for payment of debts.

Duplicate or copy of probate or letters of administration.

[87,20 of 1977]

of any secured creditor who has taken out execution proceedings, to proceed to realize his security upon such conditions as the court, having regard to the provisions of the Insolvency Ordinance, shall order.

554Q. Where the executor named in the will or the widow or widower is unwilling to proceed with the due administration of an insolvent estate, or where the executor or administrator to whom probate or letters have been issued fails to administer the estate with reasonable dispatch, the court may, having regard to the proper conservation of the estate

and the interest of all parties before it, appoint any fit person to administer the estate. 554R. Where a testamentary insolvency order shall have been made, the estate shall be distributed in accordance with the following provisions:

(a): the funeral, testamentary and administration expenses shall first be paid out of the assets available ;
(b): subject as aforesaid the provisions for the time being in force under the law of insolvency with respect to the estate of a person adjudged insolvent shall apply and be observed in regard to the respective rights of secured and unsecured creditors as to the debts and liabilities provable, the valuation of annuities and future and contingent liabilities, and the priorities of debts and liabilities.

554S. An executor or administrator of an insolvent estate shall have the same powers and be subject to the same obligations as the assignee of an insolvent appointed under the Insolvency Ordinance.

554T. An appeal from a testamentary insolvency order nisi or absolute declaring an estate insolvent shall not have the effect of staying the further proceedings in administration, unless the Court of Appeal shall make order to the contrary.

CHAPTER XXXVIIIB

FOREIGN PROBATES 554U. Where a Court of Probate or other authority in a foreign country has either before or after the 15th day of December, 1977, granted probate or letters of administration in respect of the estate of a deceased person, probate or letters so granted may, on being produced to, and a copy thereof deposited with, a competent court, be sealed with the seal of that court and thereupon shall be of like force and effect and have the same operation in Sri Lanka as if

granted by that court. 554V. The court shall, before sealing the probate or letters of administration under this Chapter, be satisfied

(a): that the testamentary duty has been paid or secured in respect of so much, if any, of the estate as Is liable to testamentary duty in Sri Lanka; and
(b): in the case of letters of administration, that security has been given in a sum sufficient in amount to cover the property, if any, in Sri Lanka to which the letters of administration relate; and may require such evidence, if any, as it thinks fit as to the domicile of the deceased person.

554W. The court may also if it thinks fit on the application of any creditor require, before sealing, that adequate security be given for the payment of debts due from the estate to

creditors residing in Sri Lanka. 554X. A duplicate of any probate or letters of administration sealed with the seal of the court granting the same, or a copy thereof certified as correct by or under the authority of

such court shall have the same effect as the original,

Liabilities of

554Y. The sealing of probate or letters of administration under this Chapter shall not affect

executors and

the liability of an executor or administrator

administrators. [87,20 of 1977] [5,14 of 1993]

Resealing court deemed to be court issuing probate or letters of administration.

[87,20 of 1977]

British Courts Resealing Rules deemed to be in force.

[87,20 of 1977] Interpretation [87,20 of 1977]

Stamp duty to be first charge on the estate of the deceased.

[87,20 of 1977]

(a): to file within the time appointed by court an inventory of the deceased person's property and effects situated in Sri Lanka with valuation of same as required by section 539 ;
(b): to file, on or before the expiration of twelve months from the date of such sealing, a true and final account, as regards the deceased's property and effects situated in Sri Lanka, of his executorship or his administration, as the case may be, verified on oath or affirmation, with all receipts or vouchers attached as required by section 551 ; and
(c): to be compelled to make a judicial settlement of his account as executor or administrator, with respect to the deceased's property situated in Sri Lanka, under the provisions of Chapter IV.

554Z. For the purpose of all estates to which this Chapter applies

(a): all references in this Ordinance to any court as being the court from which grant of probate or letters of administration issued shall be construed as references to the court by which probate or letters of administration have been sealed under this Chapter and all references to the granting of probate or letters of administration or to an order absolute declaring a person entitled to such grant shall be construed as referring to the sealing of probate or letters of administration under this Chapter;
(b): all references in the Stamp Ordinance to the grant of probate or letters of administration shall be deemed to include a reference to the sealing of probate or letters of administration under this Chapter, and all references to probate or letters of administration shall be deemed to include a reference to any probate or letters of administration or to any duplicate or certified copy thereof sealed under this Chapter.

554AA. Notwithstanding the repeal of the British Courts Probate (Resealing) Ordinance, the British Courts Resealing Rules, 1939, shall be deemed to be and to continue in force for the purposes of this Chapter as if the said Ordinance had not been repealed, and may be amended, varied, altered or rescinded by rules made under Article 136 of the Constitution.

554BB. In this Chapter

" competent court" means

(a): the District Court of Colombo; or

" Court of Probate " means any court or authority by whatever name ' designated having jurisdiction in matters of probate ; and " probate" and " letters of administration" include any instrument having in any foreign country the same effect which under the law of Sri Lanka is given to probate and letters of administration respectively.

CHAPTER XXXVIIIC

GENERAL AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS IN TESTAMENTARY MATTERS

554CC. The provisions of the Stamp Ordinance shall apply to, and in relation to, every application, order or other document in testamentary proceedings and the executor or administrator, as the case may be, shall be personally liable for the payment of such stamp duty. The amount so paid by way of stamp duty shall be recoverable by the executor or administrator as a first charge on the estate of the deceased after the grant of probate or letters of administration.

Transitional provision.

[87,20 of 1977]

Definition of "person of unsound mind."

District Court to institute inquiry.

When may petition be dismissed.

Procedure on court being satisfied that inquiry ought to be instituted. Proceeding in such case.

Person alleged to be of unsound mind may be required to attend.

Assessors.

Issue.

Trial of issue to be public.

554DD. Where any person has prior to the 15th day of December, 1977, died in Sri Lanka leaving an estate and testamentary proceedings had not been commenced in respect of such estate before the 15th day of December, 1977, such proceedings may be instituted under the provisions of this Ordinance.

CHAPTER XXXIX ACTIONS RELATING TO PERSONS OF UNSOUND MIND

555. The expression " person of unsound mind " as used in this Ordinance shall, unless the

contrary appears from the context, mean every person found by due course of law to be of unsound mind and incapable of managing his affairs.

556.

(1) Whenever any person who is possessed of property is alleged to be a person of unsound mind, the District Court within whose jurisdiction such person is residing may, upon such application as is hereinafter mentioned, institute any inquiry for the purpose of ascertaining whether such person is or is not of unsound mind and incapable of managing his affairs.

Application for, (2) Application for such inquiry may be made on petition in the way of how to be summary procedure by any relative of the person alleged to be of unsound made. mind, or by a Superintendent of Police, or at the instance of the Attorney

[88,20 of 1977] General, or if the property of the person alleged to be of unsound mind consists in whole or in part of land, or of any interest in land, by the Government Agent of the district in which it is situate.

When the District Court on such application being made to it is not satisfied by affidavit
or other evidence that such inquiry as aforesaid ought to be instituted, it shall dismiss the petition.

When the District Court on any such application being made to it is satisfied by
affidavit or other sufficient evidence that such inquiry as aforesaid ought to be instituted, it shall pass an order to that effect and then appoint a time and place for holding the inquiry.

As soon as such order shall have been passed, the District Court shall cause a copy of the petition and of the order made thereon to be served upon the person alleged to be of unsound mind. If it shall appear that the person alleged to be of unsound mind is in such a state that personal service on him would be ineffectual, the court may direct such substituted service of the petition and order as it shall think proper. The court may also direct a copy of
such petition and order to be served upon any specified relative of the person alleged to be of unsound mind.

The District Court may also at any time before or pending the inquiry, require the person alleged to be of unsound mind to attend at such convenient time and place as it may appoint, for the purpose of being personally examined by the court or by any person from whom the court may desire to have a report of, or testimony as to, the mental capacity and condition of such person alleged to be of unsound mind. The court may likewise make an
order authorizing any person or persons therein named to have access to the person alleged to be of unsound mind for the purpose of a personal examination.

The District Court, if it think fit. may appoint two or more persons to act as assessors to the court in the said inquiry.
The issue to be tried on such inquiry shall be whether the person alleged to be of unsound mind is or is not of unsound mind and incapable of managing his affairs.
The trial of this issue shall be effected by viva vice examination and cross-examination of witnesses, as nearly as may be as is hereinbefore directed for the trial of the matter of an

ordinary civil action; and the inquiry, whether held in court or in a private house, shall be public.

Person of

564. The person alleged to be of unsound mind shall be present at the inquiry and shall

unsound mind to

take part as a party defendant therein either by his registered attorney or counsel or in

be present.

person, unless his state of health, or his behaviour, is such as to render either his being

present or his participating in the proceedings unfitting or unseemly, Any relative of the person alleged to be of unsound mind may also, if the court thinks fit, appear and take part in the inquiry on behalf of the person alleged to be of unsound mind,

Adjudication on 565. Upon the completion of the inquiry, the court shall adjudicate whether the person the Issue. Costs.

alleged to be of unsound mind is or is not of unsound mind and incapable of managing his affairs. And at the same time the court may make such order as to the payment of the cost of the inquiry by the person upon whose application it was made, or by the person alleged to be of unsound mind, if he be adjudged to be of sound mind, or out of his estate, if he be adjudged of unsound mind and incapable of managing his affairs, or otherwise, as it may think proper.

When petition to 566. When a person has been adjudged not to be of unsound mind and not incapable of be dismissed after managing his affairs, the court shall dismiss the petition.

inquiry.

Manager to be 567. When a person has been adjudged to be of unsound mind and incapable of managing appointed.

his affairs, the District Court shall appoint a manager of the estate. Any near relative of the person of unsound mind or any other suitable person may be appointed manager.

Guardian of 568. Whenever a manager of the estate of a person of unsound mind is appointed by the

person.

District Court, the court shall appoint a fit person to be guardian of the person of the person of unsound mind. The manager may be appointed guardian: Provided always that the heir-at-law of the person of unsound mind shall not in any case be appointed guardian of his person.

Allowance to 569. If the person appointed to be manager of the estate of a person of unsound mind, or

manager or the person appointed to be guardian of the person of a person of unsound mind, shall be guardian.

unwilling to discharge the trust gratuitously, the court may fix such allowance or allowances to be paid out of the estate of the person of unsound mind as, under the circumstances of the case, may be thought suitable.

Duties of 570. The person appointed to be guardian of the person of a person of unsound mind shall guardian.

have the care of his person and maintenance. When a distinct guardian is appointed, the manager shall pay to the guardian such allowance as shall be fixed by the court, either at the time when the guardian is appointed or after wards, on an application made by such guardian by petition in the way of summary procedure, for the maintenance of the person of unsound mind and of his family.

Powers of 571. Every manager of the estate of a person of unsound mind appointed as aforesaid may

manager-exercise the same powers in the management of the estate as might have been exercised by Restrictions on the proprietor if not a person of unsound mind ; and may collect and pay all just claims, manager's powers debts, and liabilities due to or by the estate of the person of unsound mind. But no such manager shall have power to sell or mortgage the estate or any part thereof, or to grant a lease of any immovable property for any period exceeding five years, without an order of the District Court previously obtained.

Inventory Account._{₅₇₂_.}

(1): Every person appointed by the District Court to be manager of the estate of a person of unsound mind shall, within a time to be fixed by the court, deliver in court an inventory of the immovable property belonging to the person of unsound mind, and of all such movable property, sums of money, goods, and effects as he shall receive on account of the estate, together with a statement of all debts due by or to the same. And every such manager shall furnish to the court annually, within three months of the close of the year, an account of the property in his charge, exhibiting the sums received and disbursed on account of the estate and the balance remaining in his hands.
(2): If any relative of the person of unsound mind, or the Attorney-General, by petition to the court, shall impugn the accuracy of the said inventory and statement, or of any annual account, the court may summon the manager and inquire summarily into the matter and make such order thereon as it shall think proper.

Excess over

573. All sums received by a manager on account of any estate in excess of what may be

expenditure, to be

required for the current expenses of the person of unsound mind or of the estate shall be

paid into kachcheri.

Relative may sue for account.

Manager or guardian how to be removed.

Punishment for neglect or refusal to account.

Where not necessary court need not appoint manager.

Further inquiry when person of unsound mind so found alleged to have recovered.

Saving of Mental Diseases Ordinance. Appeal to Court of Appeal.

paid into the kachcheri on account of the estate, and shall be dealt with thereafter in such manner as is prescribed by law in the case of suitors' deposits.

574. It shall be lawful for any relative of a person of unsound mind to sue for an account from any manager, appointed under this Ordinance, or from such person after his removal from office or trust, or from his personal representative in case of his death, in respect of any

estate then or formerly under his care or management, or of any sums of money or other property received by him on account of such estate.

575.

(1): The District Court, for any sufficient cause, may on the application of the guardian or of a relative of the person of unsound mind, or of the Attorney-General, Superintendent of Police, or (where the property of the person of unsound mind consists in whole or in part of land, or of any interest in land) of the Government Agent, made by petition in the way of summary procedure, remove any manager appointed by the court, and may appoint any other fit person in his room, and may compel the person so removed to make over the property in his hands to his successor, and to account to such successor for all moneys received or disbursed by him.
(2): The court may also, for any sufficient cause, in like manner remove any guardian appointed by the court.

The District Court may on any application made to it by a relative of the person of unsound mind or a public officer under section 575 impose a fine not exceeding five hundred rupees on any manager of the estate of a person of unsound mind who wilfully neglects or refuses to deliver his accounts or any property in his hands within the prescribed time or a time fixed by the court, and may realize such fine by attachment and sale of his property
under the rules in force for the execution of decrees of court, and may also commit him to close custody until he shall deliver such accounts or property.

If it appears to the District Court, having regard to the situation and condition in life of the person of unsound mind and his family, and the amount and description of his property, to be unnecessary to appoint a manager of the estate as hereinbefore provided, the court may, instead of appointing such manager, order that the property if money, or if of any other description the proceeds thereof, when realized in such manner as the court shall direct, be

paid to such persons as the court may think fit, to be applied for the maintenance of the person of unsound mind and his family.

578.

(1): When any person has been adjudged to be of unsound mind and incapable of managing his affairs, if such person or any other person acting on his behalf, or having or claiming any interest in respect of his estate, shall represent by petition to the District Court, or if the court shall be informed in any other manner, that the unsoundness of mind of such person has ceased, the court may institute an inquiry for the purpose of ascertaining whether such person is or is not still of unsound mind and incapable of managing his affairs.
(2): The inquiry shall be conducted in the manner provided in section 560 and the four following sections of this Ordinance ; and if it be adjudged that such person has ceased to be of unsound mind and incapable of managing his affairs, the court shall make an order for his estate to be delivered over to him, and such order shall be final.

In all cases in which this Chapter is applicable, the procedure herein provided shall be followed, anything in the Mental Diseases Ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding.
Every order made by a District Court under the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to an appeal to the Court of Appeal, and such appeal may be prosecuted by, or at the instance of, the person suspected or adjudged to be of unsound mind, or of any relative or friend of his, or of any medical practitioner who shall have certified or testified to his state of mind ; and the Court of Appeal shall take cognizance of such appeal, and deal with the

same as an appeal from an interlocutory order of the District Court, and make such order thereon as to the said court shall seem fit. And it shall be the duty of the District Court to

conform to and execute such order.

Provisions applicable to menially deficient persons.

[14,53 of 1980]

Proceedings exempt from stamp duty.

Certificate of right to have charge of minor's property.

[41,79 of 1988]

Application for appointment of person to have charge of property or person of minor. Charge of property of minor to whom to be granted.

580A.

(1): The provisions contained in this Chapter, other than section 555 shall apply in the case of mentally deficient persons.
(2): For the purposes of this section, " mentally deficient persons ", mean persons who are incapable of managing their own affairs by reason of being mentally ill, feeble, infirm or defective, though not adjudicated as persons of unsound mind in accordance with any law for the time being in force.

No stamp duty shall, attach or be payable for any application, process or other document filed in court under the provisions of this Chapter.
CHAPTER XL ACTIONS FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIANS

Every person who shall claim a right to have charge of property in trust for a minor, under a will or deed, or by reason of nearness of kin, or otherwise, may apply to the Family Court for a certificate of curatorship ; and no person shall be entitled to institute or defend any action connected with the estate of a minor, of which he claims the charge, until he shall have obtained such certificate: Provided that when the property is below the value of twenty thousand rupees, or for any other sufficient reason, provided any court having jurisdiction may allow any relative of a minor to institute or defend an action on his behalf, although a certificate of curatorship has not been granted to such relative; And provided further that any such person so claiming to have charge of any such property under the provisions of a will, of which probate shall have been duly granted, may institute or defend any such action without having obtained such certificate. Explanation A person to whom letters of administration of a deceased person's estate have been granted under Chapter XXXVIII of this Ordinance does not thereby obtain a right to have charge, within the meaning
of this section, of such portion or share of his deceased's estate, if any there be, as descends to a minor heir.

Any relative or friend of a minor, in respect of whose property such certificate has not been granted, may apply by petition in the way of summary procedure to the Family Court, to

appoint a fit person to take charge of the property and person or of either property or person of such minor.

585.

(1): If it shall appear that any person claiming a right to have charge of the property of a minor is entitled to such right by virtue of a will or deed, and-is willing to undertake the trust, the court shall grant a certificate of curatorship to such person.
(2): If there is no person so entitled, or if such person is unwilling to undertake the trust and there is any near relative of the minor who is willing and fit to be entrusted with the charge of his property, the court may grant a certificate to such relative.

Same person maybe (3) The court may also, if it think fit (unless a guardian has been appointed by appointed the father), appoint such person as aforesaid or such relative, or any other guardian of relative or friend of the minor, to be guardian of the person of the minor. person. Court may call

(4) The court may call upon any grama seva niladhari for a report on the upon grama character and qualification of any relative or friend of the minor who may be seva niladhari desirous or willing to be entrusted with the charge of the property or person of to report on such minor, and who resides in the division.

qualification.

When charge of 586. If no title to a certificate is established to the satisfaction of the court by a person property may be claiming under a will or deed, and if there is no near relative willing and to be entrusted with granted to any fit the charge of the property of the minor, and the court shall think it necessary for the interest person.

of the minor that provision should be made by the court for the charge of the property and person of such minor, the court may grant a certificate to any fit person whom the court may appoint for the purpose.

587.

Guardian to have charge of the person and maintenance, to be appointed at the same time.

(1): Whenever the court shall grant a certificate of curatorship to the estate of a minor who is resident in Sri Lanka to any person under the last section, it shall at the same time appoint a guardian to take charge of the person and maintenance of the minor,
(2): The person to whom a certificate of curatorship has been granted may be appointed guardian, provided he would not be the legal heir of the minor, if the minor then died.

his allowance. (3) If the person appointed to be guardian be unwilling to discharge the trust gratuitously, the court may assign him such allowance, to be paid out of the estate of the minor, as under the circumstances of the case it may think suitable. The court may also fix such allowance as it may think proper for the maintenance and education of the minor; and such allowance and the allowance of the guardian (if any) shall be paid to the guardian by the other person as aforesaid.

(4) In any case in which the court is satisfied that it will be for the interest of the minor, it may direct the raising of such allowance out of the corpus of the estate, by mortgage or sale or such other mode of realization as it thinks fit.

Costs of inquiries. _{₅₈₈_.}

Impeachment of the inventory and accounts.

Any relative of minor may sue curator for accounts.

Recall of the certificates.

Resignation and discharge of

(1) In all inquiries held by the Family Court under this Chapter, the court may
make such order		as	to		the payment of				costs		by the person	on	whose
application the inquiry				was		made,	or	out		of the estate of the minor,				or
otherwise, as it may think proper.
Inventory,	(2) Every curator other than one deriving title under a will or deed, to whom a
Accounts.	certificate shall have been granted under this Chapter, shall, within a time to
	be fixed by the court, file in court an inventory of the property belonging to the
	minor, and shall also twice every year, namely, within one month from the first
	day of January and the first day of July, respectively, in each year, file an
	account of the property in his charge, exhibiting the amounts received and
	disbursed on account of the estate and the balance in hand.

Any relative of the minor or the minor himself by a next friend or the Attorney-General may, by petition and by way of summary procedure, impeach and falsify the correctness of
the said inventory and periodic accounts, or complain of delay in the filing, of them; and the court may on any such application make such order as it shall think proper.

It shall be lawful for any relative of a minor with the leave of the court, or the minor himself by a next friend, at any time during the continuance of the minority, to sue for an account from any person to whom a certificate shall have been granted under the provisions of this Ordinance, or from any such person after his removal from office or trust, or from his personal representative in case of his death, in respect of any estate then or formerly under
his care or management, or of any sums of money or other property received by him on account of such estate.

The Family Court, for any sufficient cause shown on petition by way of summary procedure preferred by the guardian, or by a relative, or by a next friend of the minor, or by the Attorney-General, may recall any certificate granted under this chapter and may grant a certificate to any other person; and may compel the person whose certificate has been recalled to make over the property in his hands to his successor, and to account to such

successor for all moneys received and disbursed by him. The court may also sufficient cause in like manner remove any guardian appointed by the court.

592.

(1) The Family Court may permit any person to whom a certificate shall have curator of been granted under this Ordinance, and any guardian appointed by the court, property, or to resign his trust; and may give him a discharge therefrom on his accounting guardian of to his successor, duly appointed, for all moneys received and disbursed by person of minor.

him, and making over the property in his hands.

(2) The application to be discharged from the trust shall be made by petition in the way of summary procedure, in which petition a near relative of the minor or the Attorney-General shall be named a respondent; and it shall be competent to the court to direct that any other person be made a respondent.

Allowance of 593. Every curator other than one deriving title under a will or deed, to whom a certificate curator.

shall have been granted under this Chapter, if he is not willing to discharge the trust gratuitously, shall be entitled to receive such allowance, to be paid out of the minor's estate, as the Family Court shall by order, made when the curator is appointed or afterwards on an application made by the curator by petition in the way of summary procedure, think fit to direct.

Minor's education. _{₅₉₄_.}

Every guardian appointed by the Family Court under this Chapter, who shall have charge of any minor, shall be bound to provide for his education in a suitable manner. The general superintendence and control of the education of all such minors shall be vested in the Family Court.

CHAPTER XLI

ACTIONS FOR APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF TRUSTEES Trustees.

595. Applications to the District Court for the exercise of its jurisdiction for the appointment

or removal of a trustee, and not asking any further remedy or relief, may be made by petition in the way of the summary procedure hereinbefore prescribed.

CHAPTER XLII

MATRIMONIAL ACTIONS Procedure in

596. In all actions for divorce a vinculo matrimonii, or for separation a mensa et thoro, or for matrimonial declaration of nullity of marriage, the pleadings shall be by way of plaint and answer, and actions.

such plaint and answer shall be subject to the rules and practice by this Ordinance provided with respect to plaints and answers in ordinary civil actions, so far as the same can be made applicable, and the procedure generally in such matrimonial cases shall (subject to the provisions contained in this Chapter) follow the procedure hereinbefore set out with respect to ordinary civil actions.

Court of district in

597.

petitioner resides (1) Any husband or wife may present a plaint to the Family Court within the to have local limits of the jurisdiction of which he or she, as the case may be, resides, jurisdiction.

praying that his or her marriage may be dissolved on any ground for which marriage may, by the law applicable in Sri Lanka to his or her case, be dissolved.

(2) The provisions of the Conciliation Boards Act, No. 10 of 1958, shall not apply to matrimonial actions.

Co-defendant.

598. Upon any such plaint presented by a husband, in which the adultery of the wife is the cause or part of the cause of action, the plaintiff shall make the alleged adulterer a co

defendant to the said action, unless he is excused from so doing on one of the following grounds, to be allowed by the court upon an application for the purpose:

(1): that the defendant is leading the life of a prostitute, and that the plaintiff knows of no person with whom the adultery has been committed ;
(2): that the name of the alleged adulterer is unknown to the plaintiff, although he has made due efforts to discover it;
(3): that the alleged adulterer is dead; and it shall be lawful in any such plaint to include a claim for pecuniary damages against such co-defendant.

Affidavit where co599. The prayer to be excused from making the alleged adulterer a co-defendant and the defendant is excused.

Sections 598 and 599 to apply where adultery of the husband is alleged.

[91,20 of 1977]

Decree to be passed declaring marriage dissolved.

[93,20 of 1977] Defendant when entitled to relief.

Decree to be decree nisi in the first instance.

[94,20 of 1977] Decree when to be made absolute.

Actions of nullity of marriage.

Application for separation or for divorce whether after decree of separation or otherwise.

allegations of fact upon which it is founded, supported by affidavit of fact or other sufficient evidence, shall be embodied m the plaint. 599A. The provisions of sections 598 and 599 shall, mutatis mutandis, apply where in a plaint presented by a wife, adultery of the husband is a cause of action.

[Sections 600 and 601 repealed by Law No. 20 of 1977]

When the court is satisfied on the evidence that the case of the plaintiff has been
proved, the court shall pronounce a decree declaring such marriage to be dissolved in the manner and subject to all the provisions and limitations in sections 604 and 605.

In any action instituted for dissolution of marriage, if the defendant opposes the relief sought on any ground which would have enabled him or her to sue as plaintiff for such dissolution, the court may in such action give to the defendant on his or her application the
same relief to which he or she would have been entitled in case he or she had presented a plaint seeking such relief.

Every decree for dissolution of marriage shall, in the first instance, be a decree nisi not
to be made absolute till after the expiration of not less than three months from the pronouncement thereof, or such longer period as the court may prescribe in the said decree.

Whenever a decree nisi has been made and no sufficient cause has been shown why the same should not be made absolute as in the last preceding section provided within the time therein limited, such decree nisi shall on the expiration of such time be made absolute : Provided that where such decree nisi is entered ex pane, the period during which the same should not be made absolute shall be computed from the date of service of such decree nisi

on the defaulting party. [Section 606 is repealed by Law No. 20 of 1977]

607.

(1): Any husband or wife may present a plaint to the Family Court within the local limits of the jurisdiction of which he or she (as the case may be) resides, praying that his or her marriage may be declared null and void.
(2): Such decree may be made on any ground which renders the marriage contract between the parties void by the law applicable to Sri Lanka.

608.

(1): Application for a separation a mensa et thoro on any ground on which by the law applicable to Sri Lanka such separation may be granted, may be made by either husband or wife by plaint to the Family Court, within the local limits of the jurisdiction of which he or she, as the case may be, resides, and the court, on being satisfied on due trial of the truth of the statements made in such plaint, and that there is no legal ground why the application should not be granted, may decree separation accordingly.

Provided that no application under this subsection shall be entertained by the court pending the determination of any appeal taken from such decree of separation. The provisions of sections 604 and 605 shall apply to such a judgment.

Separated wife's property.

Separated wife's contracts &c, rights to sue.

When decree for separation may be revised by the court which made it.

Co-defendant may be order to pay costs.

609.

(1): In every case of such separation under this Chapter the wife shall, from the date of the sentence and whilst the separation continues, be considered as unmarried with respect to property of every description which she may acquire, or which may come to or devolve upon her.
(2): Such property may be disposed of by her in all respects as an unmarried woman, and on her decease the same shall, in case she dies intestate, devolve as the same would have devolved if she had died unmarried : Provided that if any such wife again cohabits with her husband, all such property as she may be entitled to when such cohabitation takes place shall be held to her separate use, subject, however, to any agreement in writing made between herself and her husband whilst separate.

610. In every case of such separation under this Chapter the wife shall, whilst so separated, be considered as an unmarried woman for the purposes of contract, and wrongs and injuries, and suing and being sued in any civil proceedings; and her husband shall not be liable in respect of any contract, act, or costs entered into, done, omitted, or incurred by her during the separation: Provided that where, upon any such separation alimony has been decreed or ordered to be paid to the wife, and the same is "not duly paid by the husband, he shall be liable for necessaries supplied for her use to the persons who supplied them;

Provided also that nothing shall prevent the wife from joining, at any time during such separation, in the exercise of any joint power given to herself and her husband.

611.

(1): Any husband or wife, upon the application of whose wife or husband, as the case may be, a decree of separation has been pronounced, may, at any time thereafter, present a petition to the court by which the decree was pronounced, praying for a reversal of such decree, on the ground that it was obtained in his or her absence at the hearing, and that there was reasonable excuse for such absence, and also for the alleged desertion, where desertion was the ground of such decree.
(2): Such petition shall be deemed and shall be dealt with by the court as a plaint in a regular action, and the party in whose favour the decree of separation sought to be reversed was passed shall be made a defendant therein. And the court may, after trial in regular course of procedure, on being satisfied of the truth of the allegations of such petition, reverse the decree accordingly, but such reversal shall not prejudice or affect the rights or remedies which any other person would have had in case it had not been decreed, in respect of any debts, contracts, or acts of the wife incurred, entered into, or done between the time of the sentence of separation and of the reversal thereof.

612.

(1) Whenever in any plaint presented by a husband the alleged adulterer has been made a co-defendant, and the adultery has been established, the court may order the co-defendant to pay the whole or any part of the costs of the proceedings in addition to any damages which may be awarded, where such damages have been claimed; Provided that the co-defendant shall not be ordered to pay the plaintiffs costs, nor shall any damages be awarded

(a): if the defendant was at the time of the adultery living apart from her husband and leading the life of a prostitute; or
(b): if the co-defendant had not at the time of the adultery reason to believe the defendant to be a married woman.

[98,20 of 1977] (2) The provisions of the preceding subsection shall, mutatis mutandis, apply where a woman has been made a co-defendant.

Intervenient under section 606 may be ordered to pay costs. Alimony pendente lite.

[99,20 of 1977]

Settlement upon decree of divorce or separation.

[100,20 of 1977]

Court may inquire into ante-nuptial and post nuptial settlements.

613. Whenever any application is made under section 606, the court if it thinks that the

applicant had no grounds, or no sufficient grounds for intervening, may order him to pay the whole or any part of the costs occasioned by the application.

614.

(1): In any action under this Chapter, whether it be instituted by a husband or a wife, the wife may present a petition for alimony pending the action. Such petition shall be preferred and dealt with as of summary procedure, and the husband shall be made respondent therein; and the court, on being satisfied of the truth of the statements therein contained, may make such order on the husband for payment to the wife of alimony pending the action as it may deem just: Provided that alimony pending the action shall in no case be less than one-fifth of the husband's average net income for the three years next preceding the date of the order, and shall continue, in case of a decree for dissolution of marriage or of nullity of marriage, until the decree is made absolute or is confirmed, as the case may be.
(2): A husband may present a petition for alimony pending the action. The provisions of the preceding subsection shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to such application.
(3): Where one of the spouses is not possessed of sufficient income or means to defray the cost of litigation, the court may at any stage of the action order the spouse who is possessed of sufficient income or means to pay to the other spouse such sum on account of costs as it considers reasonable.

615.

(2): The court may at any stage discharge, modify, temporarily suspend and revive or enhance an order made under subsection (I).

[Sections 616 and 617 repealed by Law No. 20 of 1977] 618.The court, after a decree absolute for dissolution of marriage or a decree of nullity of marriage, may inquire into the existence of ante-nuptial or post-nuptial settlements made on the parties whose marriage is the subject of the decree, and may make such orders, with reference to the application of the whole or a portion of the property settled, whether for the benefit of the husband or the wife, or of the children (if any) of the marriage, or of both children and parents, as to the court seems fit; Provided that the court shall not make any order for the benefit of the parents or either of them at the expense of the children.

Court may before _{₆₁₉_.}

In any action for obtaining a separation, the court may from time to time, before

decree for separation order maintenance of minor children.

Court may after decree of separation make order respecting custody, & c., of minor children.

Court may make interim order and also provide for custody, & c, of minor children in decree.

Court may after decree absolute make orders respecting custody, & c, of minor children.

Adjournment and further evidence.

Appeal.

Enforcement of alimony and maintenance orders.

[102,20 of 1977] When parties may marry again.

[103,20 of 1977]

Protection of third parties dealing with wife after decree made and before reversal.

making its decree, make such interim orders, and may make such provision in the decree as it deems proper with respect to the custody, maintenance, and education of the minor children, the marriage of whose parents is the subject of such action, and may, if it thinks fit, direct proceedings to be taken for placing such children under the protection of the said court.

The court after a decree of separation may, upon application by way of summary procedure for this purpose, make from time to time all such orders and provisions, with respect to the custody, maintenance, and education of the minor children, the marriage of whose parents is the subject of the decree, or for placing such children under the protection
of the said court, as might have been made by such decree or by interim orders in case the proceedings for obtaining such decree were still pending.

In any action for obtaining a dissolution of marriage or a decree of nullity of marriage, the court may from time to time, before making its decree absolute or its decree (as the case may be), make such interim orders, and may make such provision in the decree absolute or decree, as the court deems proper with respect to the custody, maintenance, and education of the minor children, the marriage of whose parents is the subject of the action, and may, if it
thinks fit, direct proceedings to be taken for placing such children under the protection of the court.

The court after a decree absolute for dissolution of marriage or a decree of nullity of marriage may, upon application by petition on summary procedure for the purpose, make from time to time all such orders and provisions, with respect to the custody, maintenance, and education of the minor children, the marriage of whose parents was the subject of the decree, or for placing such children under the protection of the said court as might have been
made by such decree absolute or decree (as the case may be), or by such interim orders as aforesaid.

The court may from time to time adjourn the hearing of any petition or plaint under this Chapter, and may of its own motion require further evidence thereon if it sees fit so to do.
All decrees and orders made by the court in any action or proceeding under this Chapter shall be enforced and may be appealed from, in the like manner as the decrees and orders of the court made in the exercise of its original civil jurisdiction are enforced, and may

be appealed from under the laws, rules, and orders for the time being in force. 624A. An order for alimony or maintenance made under this Chapter may be enforced either in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance or in the manner provided in the

Maintenance Ordinance.

625. Upon a decree nisi for divorce being made absolute under the provisions of this Chapter, or when three months after the passing of the decree thereunder of nullity of marriage shall have elapsed, without an appeal having being taken therefrom, or upon the

confirmation in appeal of any decree, but not sooner, it shall be lawful for the respective parties to the marriage to marry again as if the prior marriage had been dissolved by death.

626.

(1): Every decree for separation or order to protect property obtained by a wife under this Chapter shall, until reversed or discharged, be deemed valid, so far as necessary for the protection of any person dealing with the wife.
(2): No reversal, discharge, or variation of such decree or order shall affect any rights or remedies which any person would otherwise have had in respect of any contracts or acts of the wife entered into or done between the dates of such decree or order and of the reversal, discharge, or variation thereof.
(3): All persons who, in reliance on any such decree or order, make any payment to, or permit any transfer to be made, or act to be done by the wife who shall have obtained such decree or order, shall (notwithstanding the same may then have been reversed, discharged, or varied, or notwithstanding the separation of the wife from her husband may have ceased or may at some time since the making of the decree or order have been discontinued) be protected and indemnified as if at the time of such payment, transfer, or other act, such decree or order were valid and still subsisting without variation, and

the separation had not ceased or been discontinued, unless at the time of the payment, transfer, or other act such persons had notice of the reversal, discharge, or variation of the decree or order or of the cessation or discontinuance of the separation.

Saving of the application of this Chapter as to Muslim and Kandyan marriages.

[104,20 of 1977]

Interpleader actions.

Form of plaint.

Property claimed to be deposited in court.

Procedure at the hearing.

Who may not be sued in interpleader.

627. Save as expressly otherwise provided in the Kandyan Marriage and Divorce Act and the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, nothing in this Chapter contained shall be taken to

apply to any marriage between persons professing Islam or to any marriage affected by the provisions of the Kandyan Marriage and Divorce Act,

CHAPTER XLIII

INTERPLEADER ACTIONS

When two or more persons claim adversely to one another payment of the same sum of money or delivery of the same property from another person, whose only interest therein is that of a mere stakeholder, and who is ready to render it to the right owner, such stakeholder may institute an action of interpleader against all the claimants, for the purpose of obtaining a decision as to the party to whom the payment should be made or the property delivered, and of obtaining indemnity for himself:
Provided that if any action is pending in which the rights of all parties can properly be decided, the stakeholder shall not institute an action of interpleader.

In every action of interpleader the plaint must, in addition to the other statements necessary for plaints, state

that the plaintiff has no interest in the thing claimed otherwise than as a mere stakeholder;
the claims made by the defendants severally; and
that there is no collusion between the plaintiff and any of the defendants ; and such plaint shall also be supported by an affidavit of the plaintiff verifying the statements contained therein.

When the thing claimed is capable of being paid into court or placed in the custody of
the court, the plaintiff must so pay or place it before he can be entitled to any order in the action.

At the hearing the court may

(a) declare that the plaintiff is discharged from all liability to the defendants in respect of the thing claimed, award him his costs, and dismiss him from the action;

or if it thinks that justice or convenience so require

(b) retain all parties until the final disposal of the action;

and if it finds that the admissions of the parties or other evidence enable it to do so, may

or else it may

(d) direct the defendants to interplead one another by filing statements and entering into evidence for the purpose of bringing their respective claims before the court.

632. Nothing in this Chapter shall be taken to enable agents to sue their principals, or tenants to sue their landlords, for the purpose of compelling them to interplead with any

person other than persons making claim through such principals or landlords. Illustrations

(a): A deposits a box of jewels with B as his agent. C alleges that the jewels were wrongfully obtained from him by A, and claims them from B. B cannot institute an interpleader action against A and C
(b): A deposits a box of jewels with B as his agent. He then writes to C for the purpose of making the jewels a security for a debt due from himself to C. A afterwards alleges that Cs debt is satisfied, and C alleges the contrary. Both claim the jewels from B. B may institute an interpleader action against A and C.

Of the plaintiff costs therein.

Procedure where stakeholder is sued by defendant.

Power to make order for costs not with standing want of jurisdiction.

When want of jurisdiction caused by exclusive jurisdiction of any court or tribunal, averment of jurisdiction in plaint is traversed.

[105,20 of 1977] Order of dismissal not reversed on appeal, conclusive as to jurisdiction of other court.

[105,20 of 1977] And conversely. [105,20 of 1977]

Arrest before judgment.

When the action is properly instituted, the court may provide the plaintiffs costs by giving him a charge on the thing claimed, or in some other effectual way.
If any of the defendants in an interpleader is actually suing the stakeholder in respect of the subject of such action, the court in which the action against the stakeholder is pending shall, on being duly informed by the court which passed the decree in the interpleader action in favour of the stakeholder, that such decree has been passed, stay the proceedings as against him, and his costs in the action so stayed may be provided for in such action; but if

and so far as they are not provided for in that action, they may be added to his costs incurred in the interpleader action.

CHAPTER XLIV

ACTIONS WHICH FAIL FOR WANT OF JURISDICTION

When an action fails for want of jurisdiction in the court to entertain and determine the matter of the action on its merits, it shall, nevertheless, be competent to the court to make
such order on the parties for the payment of costs as to it shall seem just; and every such order for the payment of costs is a decree for money within Chapter XX.

When the want of jurisdiction is caused by reason of the exclusive jurisdiction of any court or tribunal, the averment in the plaint made in pursuance of section 45 shall be considered as traversed, whether the defendant in his answer is silent in reference to it or not; and it shall be the duty of the court to dismiss the action on this preliminary issue in bar
at the earliest stage of the action whereat, by the admission of the parties or other evidence, it appears to the court that such court or tribunal has exclusive jurisdiction.

The order of court so dismissing the action shall adjudicate upon the facts which found the jurisdiction of such court or tribunal and if not appealed against, or if, in the event of an
appeal, it is not reversed, this order shall be conclusive evidence of jurisdiction on the same claim being made before such court or tribunal.

Also the decision of any court or tribunal declining jurisdiction shall be conclusive evidence against such jurisdiction in an action upon the same claim brought in any other court. [Section 639 is repealed by Ordinance No. 9 of 1917] [Sections 640 to 644 (both inclusive) repealed by Ordinance No. 21 of 1927]

[Sections 645 to 648 (both inclusive) repealed by Ordinance No. 7 of 1949] [Section 649 is repealed by Ordinance No. 21 of 1927]

PART V PROVISIONAL REMEDIES

CHAPTER XL VII

OF ARREST AND SEQUESTRATION BEFORE JUDGMENT 650.If a plaintiff or one of several plaintiffs in any action, either at the commencement thereof or at any subsequent period before judgment, shall, by way of motion on petition, supported by his own affidavit and viva voce examination (should the Judge consider such examination desirable), subject, however, to the exceptions hereinafter contained, satisfy the Judge that he has a sufficient cause of action against the defendant, either in respect of a money claim of or exceeding one thousand five hundred rupees or because he has sustained damage to that amount, and that he has no adequate security to meet the same, and that he

Arrested person to be discharged on giving bail. otherwise committed to prison.

Arrested person may deposit money with Fiscal instead of giving bail.

Of sequestration before judgment.

Plaintiff to give security before such warrant of does verily believe that the defendant is about to quit Sri Lanka, and, if he shall at the same time further establish to the satisfaction of the Judge by affidavit or (if the Judge shall so require) by viva voce testimony such facts that 'the Judge infers from them that the defendant is about to quit Sri Lanka, and will do so unless he be forthwith apprehended, such Judge may order a warrant (form No. 100, First Schedule) to arrest the body of the defendant and to bring him before the court unless he shall give bail in, or make deposit of, such an amount as the said Judge shall consider reasonable and adequate, which amount the said Judge at the time of making the said order shall set out on the face thereof; and the said warrant may be executed within one calendar month from the date thereof, including the day of such date, and not afterwards, in any district of Sri Lanka; Provided that if the plaintiff shall be in possession of any security in part, he or the person making the application on his behalf shall, on pain of punishment as for contempt of- court, set forth the same particularly in his application and the amount thereof, which amount shall be deducted from the amount of security to be required from the defendant.

The defendant being arrested on such a warrant shall at once be brought up before the court by which it was issued in custody of the Fiscal, unless he shall give reasonable security (form No. 101, First Schedule) to the Fiscal to appear and answer the plaintiffs claim and to abide by and perform the judgment of the court, or to surrender himself or be surrendered to be charged in execution for the same ; in which case the Fiscal shall be authorized to discharge him. If he is brought before the court under the warrant, or if he appears in discharge of the bail taken by the Fiscal, he must give bail (form No. 102, First Schedule) to abide by and perform the judgment of the court, and pay any sum or sums which may be awarded against him or to surrender himself or be surrendered by his sureties, to be charged in execution for the same ; or if he is unable or unwilling to give such bail, he shall be committed to prison (form No. 103, First Schedule) until he does so, or until the determination of the action ; and in the event of the decree being passed against him, then until the execution of the decree subject to the provisions of Chapter XXII in regard to imprisonment in execution of a decree for money ; and
Provided also that no person shall in any case be imprisoned under this section for a longer period than three months before decree.

The defendant may, instead of giving bail, as is hereinbefore directed, deposit with the Fiscal or in court the sum mentioned in the warrant, and thereupon he shall be discharged from custody, and a minute of the same shall be made on the warrant; and the sum so
deposited shall be applied in satisfaction of the judgment should the same eventually pass against the defendant, and the surplus, if any, shall be refunded to the defendant.

If a plaintiff in any action, either at the commencement thereof or at any subsequent period before judgment, shall, by way of motion on petition supported by his own affidavit and viva voce examination (if the Judge should consider such examination necessary) satisfy the Judge that he has a sufficient cause of action against the defendant, either in respect of a money claim of or exceeding one thousand five hundred rupees or because he has sustained damage to that amount, and that he has no adequate security to meet the same, and that he does verily believe that the defendant is fraudulently alienating his property to avoid payment of the said debt or damage ; and if he shall at the same time further establish to the satisfaction of the Judge by affidavit or (if the Judge should so require) by viva voce testimony such facts that the Judge infers from them that the defendant is fraudulently alienating his property with intent to avoid payment of the said debt or damage, or that he has with such intent quitted Sri Lanka leaving therein property belonging to him, such Judge may order a mandate (form No. 104, First Schedule) to issue to the Fiscal, directing him to seize and sequester the houses, lands, goods, money, securities for money and debts, wheresoever or in whose custody so ever the same may be within his district, to such value as the court shall think reasonable and adequate and shall specify in the mandate, and to detain or secure the same to abide the further orders of the court. Explanation Sequestration of immovable property has the effect of
sequestering all rents and profits which proceed there out, pending the sequestration.

Before making the order for a warrant of arrest or mandate of sequestration, the Judge

shall require the plaintiff to enter into a bond (form No. 105, First Schedule), with or without sureties, in the discretion of the Judge, to the effect that the plaintiff will pay all costs that arrest or sequestration is issued.

Manner of sequestration.

Manner of investigating any claim to property sequestered. Costs and damages where sequestration wrongful.

Effect of sequestration on prior rights.

Subsequent seizure of property under decree unnecessary.

When Injunction may be granted.

How disobedience to injunction or enjoining order punished.

[44,79 of 1988] Application to be on notice to opposite party.

[45,79 of 1988]

may be awarded and all damages which may be sustained by reason of such arrest or sequestration, by the defendant or by any other person in whose possession such property shall have been so sequestered; and it shall be competent to the court to award such damages and costs of suit either to the defendant or to those in whose possession such property shall have been so sequestered.

The sequestration ordered in pursuance of section 653 shall be made in the manner
hereinbefore provided for sequestration or seizure of property preliminary to sale thereof in execution of a decree for money.

If any claim be preferred to the property sequestered before judgment, such claim
shall be investigated in the manner hereinbefore provided for the investigation of claims to property seized in execution of a decree for money.

If upon any such investigation the court is satisfied that the property sequestered was not the property of the defendant, it shall pass an order releasing such property from seizure, and shall decree the plaintiff to pay such costs and damages by reason of such
sequestration, as the court shall deem meet. If otherwise, the court shall disallow the claim, and make such order as to costs as it shall deem meet.

Sequestration before judgment shall not affect the rights, existing prior to on the sequestration, of persons not parties to the action, nor bar any person holding a decree
against the defendant from applying for the sale of the property under sequestration in execution of such decree.

Where property is under sequestration by virtue of the provisions of this Chapter, and

a decree is given in favour of the plaintiff, it shall not be necessary to again seize the property as preliminary to sale or delivery in execution of such decree.

CHAPTER XLVIII OF INJUNCTIONS

Every application for an injunction for any of the purposes mentioned in section 54 of the Judicature Act, except in cases where an injunction is prayed for in a plaint in any action, shall be by petition, and shall be accompanied by an affidavit of the applicant or some other
person having knowledge of the facts, containing a statement of the facts on which the application is based.

An injunction or an enjoining order injunction granted by court on any such application

or enjoining may, in case of disobedience be enforced by punished the punished of the offender as for a contempt of court.

664.

(1): The court shall before granting an injunction cause the petition of application for the same together with the accompanying affidavit to be served on the opposite party.
(2): Where it appears to court that the object of granting an injunction would be defeated by delay, it may until the hearing and decision of the application for an injunction, enjoin the defendant for a period not exceeding fourteen days in the first instance, and the court may for good and sufficient reasons, which shall be recorded, extend for periods not exceeding fourteen days at a time, the operation of such order. An enjoining order made under these provisions, shall lapse upon the hearing and decision of the application for the grant of an injunction.
(3): The court may, of its own motion, or on an application made by any party, suspend the operation of an enjoining order issued under subsection (2), if it is satisfied that such order was obtained by suppression, or misrepresentation, of any material facts.

Effect on

665. An injunction or enjoining order directed to a corporation or board or other public body

corporation, & c. [46,79 of 1988]

How order set aside or varied.

[47,79 of 1988]

When court may award compensation

[48, 79 of 1988]

Order for sale of perishable property.

Order for detention, preservation, or inspection of property.

Application herein to be made by way of summary procedure.

When court may appoint a receiver.

or company is binding not only on the corporation, board, public body, or company itself, but also on all members or officers of the corporation, board, public body, or company whose personal action it seeks to restrain.

An order for an injunction or enjoining order made under this Chapter may be
discharged, or varied or set aside by the court, on application made thereto, by any party dissatisfied with such order.

If it appears to the court that the injunction or enjoining order was applied for on insufficient grounds, or if, after the issue of an injunction or enjoining order which it has granted, the action is dismissed or judgment is given against the applicant by default or otherwise and it appears to the court, that there was no probable ground for applying for the injunction or enjoining order, the court may on the application of the party against whom the Injunction or enjoining order, issued award against the party obtaining the same, in its decree, such sum as it deems a reasonable compensation for the expense or injury caused to such

party by the issue of the injunction or enjoining order. An award under this section, shall bar any action for compensation in respect of the issue of the injunction or enjoining order.

CHAPTER XLIX

OF INTERIM ORDERS

Any court may, on the application of any party to an action, order the sale by any person named in such order, and in such manner and on such terms as it thinks fit, of any movable property being the subject of such action, which is subject to speedy and natural decay. The party carrying out the sale shall, within such time as the court shall limit, and after
deducting there out such expenses as the court allows him, deposit the proceeds of the sale in court to the credit of the action.

The court may, on the application of any party to an action, and on such terms as it thinks fit

make an order for the detention, preservation, or inspection and survey of any property being the subject of such action ;
for all or any of the purposes aforesaid authorize any person to enter upon or into any land or building in the possession of any other party to such action ; and
for all or any of the purposes aforesaid authorize any samples to be taken or any observation to be made, or experiment to be tried, which may seem necessary or expedient for the purpose of obtaining full information or evidence.

Every application under either of the two preceding sections shall be made by petition in the way of summary procedure; and every party who is sought to be affected by the order

must be named a respondent in the petition. Any such application may be made by a plaintiff after service of summons, or by a defendant after he has appeared in the action.

CHAPTER L OF THE APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVERS

671. Whenever it appears to the court to be necessary for the restoration, preservation, or better custody or management of any property, movable or immovable, the subject of an

action, or under sequestration, the court may on the application of any party who shall establish a prima facie right to or interest in such property, by order

(a): appoint a receiver of such property, and, if need be,
(b): remove the person, in whose possession or custody the property may be, from the possession or custody thereof;

(c) commit such property to the custody or management of such receiver; and And give him (d) grant to such receiver such fee or commission on the rents and profits of power over the property by way of remuneration as the court thinks fit, and all such subject of powers as to bringing and defending actions and for the realization, action or management, protection, preservation, and improvement of the property, the sequestration. collection of the rents and profits thereof, the application and disposal of such rents and profits, and the execution of instruments in writing, as the owner himself has, or such of those powers as the court thinks fit.

Notice of 672. Notice of an application for the appointment of a receiver under this Chapter must be application.

served on the adverse party, unless he has left Sri Lanka without leaving a recognized agent, or unless he has failed to appear in the action and the time limited for his appearance has expired ; or if he has left a recognized agent, such notice may be given to such agent.

Receivers to give security and pass accounts.

Power of court to remove, or require fresh security. Powers conferrable by the court not to exceed those of parties themselves.

Matter in difference in action may by consent of parties be referred to arbitration.

The matter in difference to referred to arbitrator by order of court.

Appointment of an umpire.

673. Every receiver aforesaid shall

(a): give such security (if any) as the court thinks fit duly to account for what he shall receive in respect of the property;
(b): pass his accounts at such periods and in such forms as the court directs;
(c): pay the balance due from him therein as the court directs; and
(d): be responsible for any loss occasioned to the property by his wilful default or gross negligence.

The court may at any time, on sufficient cause shown therefor, remove a receiver or require him to give fresh security.
Nothing in sections 671 and 673 authorizes or empowers the court to remove those

from the possession or custody of property under sequestration any person whom the parties to the action or some or one of them have or has not a present right so to remove.

PART VI

OF SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS

CHAPTER LI

OF REFERENCE TO ARBITRATION

676.

(1): If all the parties to an action desire that any matter in difference between them in the action be referred to arbitration, they may at any time before judgment is pronounced apply, in person or by their respective registered attorneys, specially authorized in writing in this behalf, to the court for an order of reference.
(2): Every such application shall be in Mode of writing and shall state the particular matters submission. sought to be referred, and the written authority of the registered attorney to make it shall refer to it, and shall be filed in court at the time when the application is made, and shall be distinct from any power to compromise or to refer to arbitration which may appear in the proxy constituting the registered attorney's general authority to represent his client in the action.

Appointment (3) The arbitrator shall be nominated by the parties in such manner as may be of arbitrator. agreed upon between them. when court (4) If the parties cannot agree with respect to such nomination or if the person may nominate whom they nominate refuses to accept the arbitration, and the parties desire In event of death, & c, court may appoint new arbitrator; or supersede arbitration.

arbitrator.	that the nomination shall be made by the court, the court shall nominate the arbitrator.
677.
	(1) The court shall, by order, refer to the arbitrator the matter in difference which he is required to determine, and shall fix such time as it thinks reasonable for the delivery of the award and specify such time in the order. (2) When once a matter is referred to arbitration, the court shall not deal with it in the same action, except as hereinafter provided.
678.

When court may appoint umpire.

Powers of umpire appointed after reference. Court to issue process.

Extension of time for award.

When umpire may enter on the reference in lieu of arbitrators.

Award to be filed in court.

Award may be in form of special case.

(2): If an umpire is appointed, the court shall fix such time as it thinks reasonable for the delivery of his award in case he is required to act.

If the arbitrator, or, where there are more arbitrators than one, any of the arbitrators, or the umpire, dies, or refuses, or neglects, or becomes incapable to act, or leaves Sri Lanka under circumstances showing that he will probably not return at an early date, the court may in its discretion either appoint a new arbitrator or umpire in the place of the person so dying,
or refusing, or neglecting, or becoming incapable to act, or leaving Sri Lanka, or make an order superseding the arbitration, and in such case shall proceed with the action.

Where the arbitrators are empowered by the order of reference to appoint an umpire and fail to do so, any of the parties may serve the arbitrators with a written notice to appoint an umpire; and if within seven days after such notice has been served, or such further time
as the court may in each case allow, no umpire be appointed, the court, upon the application of the party who has served such notice as aforesaid, may appoint an umpire.

Every arbitrator or umpire appointed under the foregoing sections shall have the like powers as if his name had been inserted in the order of reference.

682.

(1) The court shall issue the same processes to the parties and witnesses whom the arbitrators or umpire desire to examine as the court may issue in actions tried before it.

Power of (2) Persons not attending in accordance with such process, or making any arbitrators to other default, or refusing to give their evidence, or being guilty of any take evidence. contempt to an arbitrator or umpire during the investigation of the matters

referred, shall be subject to the tike disadvantages, penalties, and punishments, by order of the court on the representation of such arbitrator or umpire, as they would incur for the like offences in actions tried before the court.

If from the want of the necessary evidence or information, or from any other cause, the arbitrators cannot complete the award within the period specified in the order, the court may, if it thinks fit, either grant a further time, and from time to time enlarge the period for the
delivery of the award, or make an order superseding the arbitration, and in such case shall proceed with the action.

When an has been umpire appointed, he the reference in may enter on the place of the arbitrators

if they have allowed the appointed time to expire without making an award; or
when they have delivered to the court or to the umpire a notice in writing stating that they cannot agree.

When an award in an action has been made, the persons who made it shall sign it and
cause it to be filed in court, together with any depositions and documents which have been taken and proved before them ; and notice of the filing shall be given to the parties.

Upon any reference by an order of court the arbitrators or umpire may, with the consent of the court, state the award as to the whole or any part thereof in the form of a special case, for the opinion of the court; and after the filing of such special case upon notice

to the parties, the court shall upon an appointed day hear argument and deliver its opinion thereon; and such opinion shall be added to and form part of the award.

Application to set aside or correct the award.

When court may correct award.

Court may make order as to costs.

When court may remit award for reconsideration.

When an award is void. When award is not valid.

Judgment to be according to the award.

Agreed statement of case for decision of court.

Within fifteen days from the date of receipt of notice of the filing of the award any party to the arbitration may by petition apply to the court to set aside the award, or to modify or to
correct the award, or to remit the award to the arbitrators for reconsideration, on grounds mentioned in the following sections.

The court may, by order, modify or correct an award

where it appears that a part of the award is upon a matter not referred to arbitration, provided such part can be separated from the other part and does not affect the decision on the matter referred ; or
where the award is imperfect in form, or contains any obvious error which can be amended without affecting such decision.

The court may also make such orders as it thinks fit respecting the costs of the
arbitration, if any question arises respecting such costs and the award contains no sufficient provision concerning them.

The court may remit the award on any matter referred to arbitration to the reconsideration of the same arbitrators or umpire, upon such terms as it thinks fit

where the award has left undetermined any of the matters referred to arbitration, or when it determines any matter not referred to arbitration;
where the award is so indefinite as to be incapable of execution;
where an objection to the legality of the award is apparent upon the face of it.

691.

(1) An award remitted under section 690 becomes void on the refusal of the

arbitrators or umpire to reconsider it. When may an (2) No award shall be set aside except on one of the following grounds,

award be set
aside.	(a) corruption or misconduct of the arbitrator or umpire;
	(b) either party having been guilty of fraudulent concealment of
	any	matter	which	he	ought	to	have	disclosed, or of wilfully
	misleading or deceiving the arbitrator or umpire;
	(c) the award having been made after the issue of an order by the
	court superseding the arbitration and restoring the action; and no
	award shall be valid unless made within the period allowed by the
	court.

692.

(1) If the court sees no cause to remit the award or any of the matters referred to arbitration for reconsideration in manner aforesaid, and if no application has been made to set aside the award, or if it has been made and the court has refused such application, then the court shall, after the time for making such application has expired, on a day of which notice shall be given to the parties, proceed to give judgment according to the award ; or if the award has been submitted to it in the form of a special case, according to its own opinion on such case.

And decree to (2) Upon the Judgment so given a decree shall be framed, and shall be be framed enforced in manner provided in this Ordinance for the execution of decrees.

thereon.

(3) No appeal shall lie from such decree except in so far as the decree is in excess of, or not in accordance with, the award.

CHAPTER LII

OF PROCEEDINGS ON AGREEMENT OF PARTIES

699.

(1) Parties claiming to be interested in the decision of any question of fact or law may enter into an agreement in writing, stating such question in the form When value of property is to be stated therein.

To what court agreement may be presented.

Judgment and decree thereon.

Action by summary procedure on liquid claims.

Defendant not to appear or defend except with leave.

of a case for the opinion of the court, and providing that upon the finding of the court with respect to such question

(a): sum of money fixed by the parties, or to be determined by the court, shall be paid by one of the parties to the other of them; or
(b): some property, movable or immovable, specified in the agreement, shall be delivered by one of the parties to the other of them; or
(c): one or more of the parties shall do, or refrain from doing, some other particular act specified in the agreement.

(2) Every case stated under this section shall be divided into consecutively numbered paragraphs, and shall concisely state such facts and documents as may be necessary to enable the court to decide the question raised thereby.

If the agreement is for the delivery of any property, or for the doing, or the refraining
from doing, any particular act, the estimated value of the property to be delivered, or to which the act specified has reference, shall be stated in the agreement.

The agreement, if framed in accordance with the rules hereinbefore contained, may for the determination of the question or questions thereby raised be brought before the court which would have jurisdiction to entertain an action, the amount or value of the subject-matter of which is the same as the amount or value of the subject-matter of the agreement. And for this purpose it shall be presented to the court as an exhibit to a petition preferred by one or more of the parties to the agreement in the way of summary procedure, to which petition the other parties to the agreement shall be named respondent, and in which petition it shall be alleged that the agreement was duly executed by all the parties, and that the controversy is real, and that the agreement is submitted bona fide for the purpose of
determining the rights of the parties ; such petition shall be verified by affidavit, and the prayer of the petition shall conform to the stipulations of the agreement within section 699.

If at the hearing of this petition on consideration of the evidence before it the court is satisfied that the allegations of the petition are established, and is further of opinion that the subject of the agreement is fit to be decided, then it shall proceed to pronounce judgment between the parties upon the facts and questions stated in the agreement, and upon the

Judgment so given a decree shall be framed and passed, and shall be enforced in the manner provided in this Ordinance for the execution of decrees.

CHAPTER LIII

OF SUMMARY PROCEDURE ON LIQUID CLAIMS

703. All actions where the claim is for a debt or liquidated demand in money arising upon a bill of exchange, promissory note, or cheque, or instrument or contract in writing for a liquidated amount of money, or on a guarantee where the claim against the principal is in respect at such debt or liquidated demand, bill, note, or cheque, may, in case the plaintiff desires to proceed under this Chapter, be instituted by presenting a plaint in the form

prescribed by this Ordinance, but the summons shall be in the form No. 19 in the First Schedule, or in such other form as the Supreme Court may from time to time prescribe.

704.

Without such (1) In any case in which the plaint and summons are in such forms leave decree respectively, the defendant shall not appear or defend the action unless he at once with obtains leave from the court as hereinafter mentioned so to appear and defend speedy ; and in default of his obtaining such leave or of appearance and defence in execution. pursuance thereof, the plaintiff shall be entitled to a decree for any sum not

exceeding the sum mentioned in the summons, together with interest to the date of the payment, and such costs as the court may allow at the time of making the decree.

(2) The defendant shall not be required, as a condition of his being allowed to appear and defend, to pay into court the sum mentioned in the summons, or to give security therefor, unless the court thinks his defence not to be prima facie sustainable, or feels reasonable doubt as to its good faith.

Instrument to be

705.

produced with the

(1) The plaintiff who so sues and obtains such summons as aforesaid must on

plaint, and

presenting the plaint produce to the court the instrument on which he sues,

affidavit to be

and he must make affidavit that the sum which he claims is justly due to him

made.

from the defendant thereon.

(2) If the instrument appears to the court to be properly stamped, and not to be open to suspicion by reason of any alteration or erasure or other matter on the face of it, and not to be barred by prescription, the court may in its discretion make an order for the service on the defendant of the summons above mentioned.

Summons to (3) The day to be inserted in the notice as the day for the defendant's be of short appearance shall be as early a day as can be conveniently named, regard date. being had to the distance of the defendant's residence from the court.

When leave to 706. The court shall, upon application by the defendant, give leave to appear and to defend defend may be the action upon the defendant paying into court the sum mentioned in the summons, or upon granted.

affidavits satisfactory to the court which disclose a defence or such facts as would make it incumbent on the holder to prove consideration, or such other facts as the court may deem sufficient to support the application and on such terms as to security, framing, and recording issues, or otherwise, as the court thinks fit.

When court may 707. After decree the court may, under special circumstances, set aside the decree, and if set aside decree, necessary stay or set aside execution, and may give leave to appear to the summons and to & c.

defend the action, if it seem reasonable to the court so to do, and on such terms as the court thinks fit.

Court may order 708. In any proceeding under this Chapter the court may order the instrument on which the deposit of action is founded to be forthwith deposited with an officer of the court, and may further order instrument.

that all proceedings shall be stayed until the plaintiff gives security for the costs thereof.

Recovery of 709. The holder of every dishonoured bill of exchange or promissory note shall expenses expenses incurred have the same remedies for the recovery of the expenses incurred in noting the same for in noting.

non-acceptance, or non-payment, or otherwise, by reason of such dishonour, as he has under this Chapter for the recovery of the amount of such bill or note.

Saving clause.

710. Except as provided in this Chapter, the procedure in actions under this Chapter shall

be the same as the procedure in actions instituted under Chapter VII. Special trial roll to

711. In every court in which cases may be instituted under this Chapter, a special trial roll be kept.

shall be kept of such cases in which issue has been joined. And it shall be competent for the Judge of such court to order such cases to be set down for hearing on such days, and on the day fixed for the hearing of any such case to direct the same to be called on for trial, in such order as to him shall appear best calculated to promote the ends of justice, any rule or practice of such court to the contrary notwithstanding: Provided that the parties to such case shall have received reasonable notice of the day of hearing.

PART VII

OF THE AIDING AND CONTROLLING OF EXECUTORS AND ADMINISTRATORS, AND THE JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THEIR ACCOUNTS

CHAPTER LIV OF AIDING, SUPERVISING, AND CONTROLLING EXECUTORS AND ADMINISTRATORS Proceedings to

712.

discover property (1) An executor or administrator may present to the court from which grant of withheld, & c.

probate or administration issued to him a petition entitled as of the action in which such grant issued, setting forth upon knowledge, or information and belief, any facts tending to show that money or other movable property which ought to be delivered to the petitioner, or which ought to be included in his inventory and valuation, is in the possession, under the control, or within the Order to accompany citation.

Examination of person cited.

713.

Service of citation-

Failure to obey citation.

714.

Refusal to answer.

knowledge or information of a person who withholds the same from him, or who refuses to impart any knowledge or information he may have concerning the same, or to disclose any other fact which will in any way aid the petitioner in making discovery of such property, so that it cannot be inventoried and valued; and praying an inquiry respecting it, and that the person complained of may be cited to attend the inquiry and to be examined accordingly.

(2): The petition may be accompanied by affidavits or other evidence tending to support the allegations thereof.
(3): If the court is satisfied upon the materials so presented that there are reasonable grounds for inquiry, it shall issue a citation accordingly, which may be made returnable forthwith, or at such future time as the court shall direct.
(1): There shall be annexed to, or endorsed on, the citation an order signed by the Judge, requiring the person cited to attend personally at the time and place therein specified.
(2): The citation and order must be personally served, and the service shall be ineffectual unless it is accompanied with payment or tender of the sum required by law to be paid or tendered to a witness subpoenaed to attend a trial in a civil court.
(3): Failure to attend as required by the citation and order may be punished as a contempt of court.
(1): Upon the attendance of a person in obedience to such citation and order, he shall be examined fully and at large, on oath or affirmation, respecting any money or other property of the testator or intestate, or of which the testator or intestate was in possession at the time of or within two years preceding his death.
(2): A refusal to be sworn or to answer any question allowed by the court is punishable in the same manner as a like refusal by a witness in a civil case.
(3): In case the person cited puts in an affidavit that he is the owner of any of the said property, or is entitled to the possession thereof by virtue of any lien thereon or special property therein, the proceedings as to such property so claimed shall be dismissed.

Unless the person cited gives security decree awarding to possession to the petitioner.

Disobedience to decree contempt.

Further evidence. _{₇₁₅_.}

produce further evidence in like manner and with like effect as upon a trial.

716. Where it appears to the court, from the examination and other testimony, if any, that there is reason to suspect that money or other property of the testator or intestate is withheld or concealed by the person cited, the court shall, unless the person cited gives security by a bond entered into with the petitioner as obligee, with such sureties and in such penalty as the court approves, for the payment of the money or delivery of the property, or in default of such delivery for the payment to the obligee of the full value thereof, and in either case of all damages which may be awarded against the obligor for withholding the same whenever it shall be determined in an action brought by the obligee that it belongs to the estate of the testator or intestate, make a decree reciting the grounds thereof, and requiring the person cited to deliver possession of the money or other property, specifying the sum or describing the property, to the petitioner. But in the event of such security being given, and after

payment within a time to be fixed therefor of any costs which the court may award to the petitioner, the proceedings shall be dismissed.

In the absence of the affidavit last mentioned, either party may on any such inquiry

717.

(1): Where the decree requires the person cited to deliver money, disobedience thereto may be punished as contempt of court. Warrant to seize property.
(2): Where it requires him to deliver possession of other property, a warrant shall issue on the application of the petitioner directed to the Fiscal, and commanding him to search for and seize the property, if it is found in the possession of the person cited, or his agent, or any person deriving title from him since the presentation of the petition to deliver the same to the petitioner,

and to return the warrant within sixty days.

Executor, &c, how compelled to return inventory and accounts.

How executor or administrator may be discharged from commitment.

Petition by creditor or legatee to compel payment.

Citation to issue. Hearing and decree.

Appeal.

Executor may file intermediate account at any time. Court may compel executor to file intermediate account at any (3) The issue of such a warrant does not affect the power of the court to enforce the decree, or any part thereof, by punishing a disobedience thereto.

718.

(1): A creditor, or any person interested in the estate, may present to the court in the action in which grant of probate or administration issued, proof by affidavit that an executor or administrator has failed to file in court the inventory and valuation, and account (or a sufficient inventory and valuation, or sufficient accounts) required by law within the time prescribed therefor.
(2): Thereupon, or of its own motion, if the court is satisfied that the executor or administrator is in default, it shall make an order requiring the delinquent to file the inventory and valuation or accounts, or a further inventory and valuation or further accounts, as the case may be ; or in default thereof to show cause at a time and place therein specified why he should not be attached.
(3): Upon the return of the order, if the delinquent has not filed a sufficient inventory and valuation or sufficient accounts, the court shall issue a warrant of attachment against him, and shall deal with him as for a contempt of court.

A person committed to jail under the provisions of the last preceding section may be discharged by the court upon his discharged paying and delivering under oath all the from
money and other property of the testator or intestate, and all papers relating to the estate under his control, to the Judge, or person authorized by the Judge to receive the same.

In either of the following cases a petition, entitled as of the action in which grant of probate or administration issued, may be presented to the court which issued the same,

praying for a decree directing an executor or administrator to pay the petitioner's claim, and that he be cited to show cause why such decree should not be made

(a): by a creditor, for the payment of a debt, or of its just proportional part, at any time after twelve months have expired since grant of probate or administration;
(b): by a person entitled to a legacy, or any other pecuniary provision under a will, or a distributive share, for the payment or satisfaction thereof, or of its just proportional part, at any time after twelve months have expired since such grant.

On the presentation of such petition the court shall issue a citation accordingly, and upon the return thereof shall make such decree in the premises as justice requires. But in any case where the executor or administrator files an affidavit setting forth facts which show that it is doubtful whether the petitioner's claim is valid and legal, and denying its validity or legality absolutely, or upon information and belief, or where the court is not satisfied that there is money or other movable property of the estate applicable to the payment or satisfaction of the petitioner's claim, and which may be so applied without injuriously affecting the rights of others entitled to priority or equality of payment or satisfaction, the decree shall dismiss the
petition, but such dismissal shall not prejudice the right of the petitioner to an action or accounting.

Every order or decree made under the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to an appeal to the Court of Appeal,
CHAPTER LV OF THE ACCOUNTING AND SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE

An executor or administrator may at any time voluntarily file in the court from which
grant of probate or administration issued to him an intermediate account, and the vouchers in support of the same.

The court may in any case at any time, and either upon the application of a creditor or

party interested or of its own motion, make an order requiring an executor or administrator to render an intermediate account.

time. Procedure where

724A.

executor or administrator has failed to file an account under section 551.

[108,20 of 1977]

[6,14 of 1993]

Court to grant a discharge to the executor or administrator where estate has been duly administered and distributed.

[108, Law 20 of 1977]

(1): Any person interested in the estate may present to the court proof by affidavit that an executor or administrator has failed to file in court such account as is prescribed by section 551.
(2): The court shall thereupon, or of its own motion, if satisfied that the executor or administrator is in default, make order which shall be served on the delinquent, requiring him to file such final account on a date to be specified therein; and in default thereof to show cause why he should not be attached.
(3): Upon the day fixed in such order, if the delinquent has not filed a sufficient final account, the court may issue a warrant of attachment against him and deal with him as for contempt of court.
(4): A delinquent committed to jail under subsection (3) shall be discharged by the court upon his filing a sufficient final account.
(6): To each account filed shall be appended an affidavit of the accounting party to the effect that the account contains, according to the best of his knowledge and belief, a full and true statement of all assets and liabilities and of all his receipts and disbursements on account of the estate of the deceased and of all money and other property belonging to the estate which have come to his hands, or have been received by any other person by his order or authority for his use; and that he does not know of any error or omission in the account to the prejudice of any creditor of, or person interested in, the estate.
(7): The court may reject an account which does not comply with the provisions of this section and require the executor or administrator to file a sufficient account within a specified period.

724B.

(1): Where an executor or administrator files with his final account a receipt and discharge in the form No. 119A in the First Schedule (subject to such variations as circumstances may require) signed by the devisees, legatees, trustees, heirs, creditors or other persons entitled to or having an interest in the estate of the deceased, establishing that the entire estate has been duly administered and distributed, the court may grant him a discharge and enter an order that the estate has been fully administered..
(2): In any case where a receipt and discharge, or a sufficient receipt and discharge, is not filed with the final account the court may, on sufficient cause shown, grant further time to the executor or administrator to enable such a sufficient receipt and discharge to be filed.
(3): Where any such receipt and discharge has not been filed within the time allowed, or where any receipt and discharge has been refused, the court may direct that a copy of the final account be served upon the party failing or refusing to grant such receipt and discharge and requiring such person to appear in court on a day to be specified therein, to show cause, if any, why the final account should not be accepted as correct.
(5): Where such person contests the correctness or sufficiency of the account filed the court shall fix a date for a statement of objections to be filed by such contestant and the executor or administrator shall, either on the date so fixed or prior thereto, file in court all receipts and vouchers in support and verification of the final account.
(6): The court shall inquire into such objections and shall make such order as the justice of the case may require and on the executor or administrator complying with such order discharge the executor or administrator and enter order declaring that the estate has been fully administered.
(7): Where, however, the objections are of such a nature that, in the opinion of the court, for the adjudication of the disputes raised therein all other parties interested in the estate shall have notice thereof, the court shall direct judicial settlement of the account in the manner provided in the succeeding sections.

Judicial settlement 725. In any of the following cases, and either upon the application of a party mentioned in of account.

the next section or of its own motion, the court may from time to time compel a judicial settlement of the account of an executor or administrator:

(a)
administration;
(b) where such grant has been revoked, or for any other reason his powers
have ceased;
(c) where he has sold or otherwise disposed of any immovable property of the
testator, or devisable interest therein, or the rents, profits, or proceeds thereof,
pursuant to a power in the will, where one year has elapsed since the grant of
probate to him.
Who may apply	726.
for accounting.		(1) The application for a judicial settlement in the last section mentioned shall
		be	by petition,	entitled	as	of	the	action	in	which	grant	of probate or
		administration issued, and may be presented by a creditor, or by any person
		interested in the estate or fund, including a child born after the making of a will;
		or by any person in behalf of an infant so interested ; or by a surety in the
		official bond of the person required to account, or the legal representative of
		such surety.
	Citation.	(2) Upon the presentation thereof, citation shall issue accordingly; but in a
		case specified in paragraph (a) of the last preceding section the court may, if
		the petition is presented within less than eighteen months after the issue of
		probate or administration, entertain or refuse to entertain it in its discretion.

Order to account. _{₇₂₇_.}

(1) Upon the return of such citation, if the executor or administrator fails either to appear, or to show good cause to the contrary, or to present, in a proper case, a petition as prescribed in section 729, an order shall be made directing him to account within such a time and in such a manner as the court prescribes, and to attend before the court from time to time for that purpose. And the executor or administrator shall be bound by such order without service thereof, and if he disobeys it the court may issue a warrant of attachment against him, and the grant of probate or administration issued to him may be revoked.

Supplemental (2) If it appears that there is a surplus, distributable to creditors or persons

citation. interested, the court may at any time issue a supplemental citation, directed to such persons as must be cited upon the petition of an executor or administrator for a judicial settlement of his account, requiring them to attend the accounting.

Person cited may

728.

bring in other (1) Upon the return of any citation issued under any of the foregoing sections parties.

of this Chapter, the executor or administrator may, if one year has expired Executor, &c, may petition for judicial settlement of his account. Citation.

Hearing.

Creditor not citied may appear.

Executor, & c. whose grant has been revoked may petition.

Affidavit to be annexed to accounts.

Vouchers to be produced.

since grant of probate or administration issued to him, present a petition as in the next section prescribed.

Proceedings. (2) A citation issued upon such a petition need not be directed to the petitioner in the special proceeding pending against the executor or administrator; but the hearing of the special proceeding shall be adjourned until the return of the citation so issued, whereupon the two special proceedings shall be consolidated. Such consolidation shall not affect any power of the court which might be exercised in either special proceeding.

729. At any time after the expiration of one year since grant of probate or administration to an executor or administrator, he may present to the court which issued the same a petition, entitled as of the action in which such grant issued to him, praying that his account may be judicially settled, and that the creditors or persons claiming to be creditors, husband or wife, heirs, next of kin, and legatees (if any) of the testator or intestate, or, if any of those persons has died, his executor or administrator (if any), may be cited to attend the settlement. If one or more co- executors or co-administrators presents such a petition for a settlement of his

separate account, it must pray that his co-executors or co-administrators be also cited. And upon the presentation of any such petition a citation shall issue accordingly.

730.

(1): Upon the return of such citation the court must take the account and hear the allegations and proofs of the panics respecting the same.
(2): Any party may contest the account with respect to a matter affecting his interest in the settlement and distribution of the estate; and any party may contest an intermediate account rendered under section 724 in case the same has not been consolidated under section 728.

Any creditor or person interested in the estate, although not cited, is entitled to appear upon the hearing, and thus make himself a party to the special proceeding.

Any executor or administrator whose grant has been revoked or who is desirous of resigning his office may, in the same action, present to the court a petition praying that his account may be Judicially settled, and that his successor (if any) and the other persons
specified in section 729 may be cited to attend the settlement. The proceedings thereon shall be regulated according to the provisions of the last three sections.

To each account filed under this Chapter shall be appended an affidavit of the accounting party, to the effect that the account contains, according to the best of his knowledge and belief, a full and true statement of all his receipts and disbursements on account of the estate of the testator or intestate, and of all money and other property belonging to the estate which has come to his hands, or which has been received by any
other person by his order or authority for his use; and that he does not know of any error or omission in the account to the prejudice of any creditor of, or person interested in, the estate.

Upon every accounting by an executor or administrator, the accounting party must produce and file a voucher for every payment, except in one of the following cases:

He may be allowed, without a voucher, any proper item of expenditure, not exceeding twenty rupees, if it is supported by his own uncontradicted oath or affirmation, stating positively the fact of payment and specifying where and to whom the payment was made : Provided that all the items so allowed against an estate, upon all the accountings of all the executors or administrators, shall not exceed two hundred rupees.
If he proves, by his own or another's sworn testimony, that he did not take a voucher when he made the payment, or that the voucher then taken by him has been lost or destroyed, he may be allowed any item of which he satisfactorily proves the payment by the testimony of the person to whom he made it, or, if that person is dead or cannot be found, by any competent evidence other than his own or his wife's oath or affirmation.

But no such item shall be allowed unless the court is satisfied that the charge is correct and just.

Accounting party to be examined.

Court to determine claims.

Prescription.

Court may allow for property lost &

Effect of judicial settlement.

Decree for payment and distribution.

735. The court may at any time make an order requiring the accounting party to make and file his account, or to attend and be examined on oath or affirmation touching his receipts and disbursements, or touching any other matter relating to his administration, or any act done by him under colour of his grant or after the death of the testator or intestate, and

before the issue of such grant or touching any movable property of the testator or intestate owned or held by him at the time of his death.

736.

(1): Upon a judicial settlement of the account of an executor or administrator, he may prove any debt owing to him by his testator or intestate: Provided that a concise statement of such debt with an intimation of the petitioner's intention so to prove the same has been inserted in the petition.
(2): Where a contest arises between the accounting party and any of the other parties respecting any property alleged to belong to the estate, but to which the accounting party lays claim, or respecting a debt alleged to be due by the accounting party to the testator or intestate, or by the testator or intestate to the accounting party, the contest must be tried and determined in the same special proceeding and in the same manner as any issue arising on a civil trial.

From the death of the testator or intestate until the first judicial settlement of an account by the executor or administrator, the running of the Ordinance relating to the prescription of actions against a debt due from the deceased to the accounting party, or any other cause of action in favour of the latter against the deceased, is suspended, unless the accounting party was appointed upon the revocation of a former grant to another person; in which case the running of the Ordinance is so suspended from the grant to him until the first judicial settlement of his account. After the first judicial settlement of the account of an
executor or administrator, the Ordinance begins again to run against a debt due to him from the deceased, or any other cause of action in his favour against the deceased.

Upon a judicial settlement of the account of an executor or administrator, the court
may allow the accounting party for property of the testator or intestate perished or lost without the fault of the accounting party.

A judicial settlement under this Chapter, either by the decree of the District Court or upon an appeal therefrom, is conclusive evidence against all parties who were duly cited or

appeared, and all persons deriving title from any of them at any time, of the following facts, and no others;

(a): that the items allowed to the accounting party for money paid to creditors, legatees, heirs, and next of kin, for necessary expenses, and for his services are correct;
(b): that the accounting party has been charged with all the interest for money received by him and embraced in the account, for which he was legally accountable ;
(c): that the money charged to the accounting party, as collected, is all that was collectible at the time of the settlement on the debts stated in the account;
(d): that the allowances made to the accounting party for the decrease, and the charges against him for the increase, in the value of property were correctly made.

740.

(1): When an account is judicially settled under the provisions of this Chapter, and any part of the estate remains and is ready to be distributed to the creditors, legatees, heirs, next of kin, husband, or wife of the testator or intestate, or their assigns, the decree must direct the payment and distribution thereof to the persons so entitled, according to their respective rights.
(2): If any person who is a necessary party for that purpose has not been cited, or has not appeared, a supplemental citation must be issued as prescribed in section 727.
(3): Where the validity of a debt, claim, or distributive share is not disputed, or has been established, the decree must determine to whom it is payable, the

When specific property may be delivered.

When money may be retained.

Share of person of unsound mind minor.

Appeal.

Compulsory judicial settlement of accounts in cases of persons of unsound mind, mentally deficient persons and minors.

[16, 53 of 1980]

sum to be paid, and all other questions concerning the same And such decree shall be conclusive with respect to the matters enumerated in this section upon each party to the special proceedings who was duly cited or appeared, and upon every person deriving title from such party.

741.

(2): The value must be ascertained, if the consent does not fix it, by an appraisement under oath made by one or more persons appointed by the court for the purpose.

Where an admitted debt of the testator or intestate is not yet due, and the creditor will not accept present payment with a rebate of interest, or where an action is pending between the executor or administrator and a person claiming to be a creditor of the deceased, the decree must direct that a sum sufficient to satisfy the claim, or the proportion to which it is entitled, together with the probable amount of the interest and costs, be retained in the hands of the accounting party, or paid into court for the purpose of being applied to the payment of
the claim when it is due, recovered, or settled; and that so much thereof as is not needed for that purpose be afterwards distributed according to law.

Where a legacy or distributive of share is payable to a person of unsound mind or a minor, the decree may, in the discretion of the court, direct it to be paid to the manager or curator, as the case may be, of the estate of such person of unsound mind or minor, and where a sum of less than one hundred rupees is so payable to a minor, the decree may direct that the same be applied to the maintenance or education of the minor. And such manager or curator shall apply and account for any sum received by him under this Chapter
in manner in Chapters XXXIX and XL respectively provided with regard to sums coming to his hands as such manager or curator.

Every order or decree made under the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to an appeal to the Court of Appeal.

CHAPTER LVI

OF ACCOUNTING IN CASES OF PERSONS OF UNSOUND MIND AND OF MINORS

745. A petition praying for the judicial settlement of the account of

(a): the manager of the estate of a person of unsound mind or mentally the manager of the estate of unsound mind deficient person;
(b): the guardian of the person of a person of unsound mind or mentally deficient person;
(c): the curator of the estate of a minor;
(d): the guardian of the person of a minor;
(e): the next friend of a minor plaintiff;
(f): the guardian for the action of a minor defendant;.

and that such persons may be cited to attend the settlement thereof, may in every case where such person is required by law to file accounts, be presented to the court having jurisdiction, in the manner in the last preceding Chapter provided, by any of the following persons respectively, namely :In cases falling under paragraphs (a) and (b) by the person of unsound mind or mentally deficient person, after he has been found by adjudication to have ceased to be of unsound mind or mentally deficient, or by any relative or friend of the person of unsound mind or Voluntary judicial settlement of accounts in case of persons of unsound mind and minors.

Procedure.

Appeal.

Requisites of petitions relating to persons of unsound mind, mentally deficient persons, minors, or trustees.

[17,53 of 1980] Citations

Security bonds.

Security From managers and curators.

[18,53 of 1980]

mentally deficient person, or by the executor or administrator of a deceased person of unsound mind or mentally deficient person, or under paragraph (a) by the guardian of the person, and under paragraph (b) by the manager of the estate, of a person of unsound mind and mentally deficient person or by any public officer mentioned in section 556 ; In cases falling under paragraphs (c), (d), (e), and (f)by the minor after he has attained majority, or by the executor or administrator of a deceased minor, or under paragraph (c) by the guardian of the person, and under paragraph (d) by the curator of the estate of a minor; And in any case by the successor of any such manager, curator, guardian, next friend, or guardian for the action. But in cases falling under paragraphs (b), (d), (e), and (f) proof must be adduced to the satisfaction of the court that the person so required to account has received money or property of the minor for which he is liable to account and has not accounted.

746. A petition praying for the judicial settlement of his account and a discharge from his duties and liabilities may be presented in like manner by any of the persons described under paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and if) of the last preceding section, in any case where a petition for a judicial settlement of his account may be presented by any other person as

prescribed in the last section. The petition must pray that every person who might have so presented, a petition may be cited to attend the settlement.

747.

(1): Upon the presentation of any petition as mentioned in the last two sections, the court shall issue a citation accordingly.
(2): Sections 724 to 740 both inclusive shall be taken to apply as far as practicable, mutatis mutandis, to all proceedings under this Chapter. And the accounting party must annex to every account produced and filed by him an affidavit verifying the account.

748. Every order or decree made under the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to an appeal to the Court of Appeal.

CHAPTER LVII

GENERAL CLAUSES

Every petition by which an application is made to a District Court for the exercise of its powers over or in respect of persons of unsound mind, mentally deficient persons, minors or trustees, as the case may be, shall state expressly that the petitioner does not know of any person interested in the subject of the petition or in the person sought to be affected by the
order prayed for in the petition, who is likely to entertain any objection thereto, other than those who are named as respondents in the petition.

But the court shall have power nevertheless to direct that the order nisi be served on
any person or persons other than a respondent, whom it may consider entitled to have notice of the application.

All security bonds made under or in pursuance of the provisions of Chapters XXXIX, and XL, XLI shall, unless otherwise expressly or by implication directed, be expressed to be made with the Registrar of the court for the time being, and in the case of bonds so made, upon each occurrence of a change of Registrar the new Registrar shall be deemed to take the place of, and to be substituted for, the Registrar whom he succeeds, as party obligee to
the contract on the bond, and shall become such party as fully and completely in all respects as if he were originally made such party on the occasion of the making of the bond.

The District Court shall have the like power to make the person appointed manager of the estate of a person of unsound mind, or mentally deficient person, or the person appointed

curator of a minor's estate, give security for the due administration of the estate as it has in the case of administrators of deceased persons' estates.

PART VIII OF APPEALS

CHAPTER LVIII

Powers of 753. The Court of Appeal may, of its own motion or on any application made, call for and revisions by examine the record of any case, whether already tried or pending trial, in any court, tribunal Appeal.

or other institution for the purpose of satisfying itself as to the legality or propriety of any

[49,79 of 1988]

judgment or order passed therein, or as to the regularity of the proceedings of such court, tribunal or other institution, and may upon revision of the case brought before it pass any judgment or make any order thereon, as the interests of justice may require.

Mode of

754.

Preferring appeal.

(1) Any person who shall be dissatisfied with any judgment pronounced , by

[109,20 of 1977]

any original court in any civil action, proceeding or matter to which he is a

[50,79 of 1988]

party may prefer an appeal to the Court of Appeal against such judgment for any error in fact or in law.

(2): Any person who shall be dissatisfied with any order made by any original court in the course of any civil action, proceeding, or matter to which he is or seeks to be a party, may prefer an appeal to the Court of Appeal against such order for the correction of any error in fact or in law, with the leave of the Court of Appeal first had and obtained.
(3): Every appeal to the Court of Appeal from any judgment or decree of any original court, shall be lodged by giving notice of appeal to the original court within such time and in the form and manner hereinafter provided.
(4): The notice of appeal shall be presented to the court of first instance for this purpose, by the party appellant or his registered attorney within a period of fourteen days from the date when the decree or order appealed against was pronounced, exclusive of the day of that date itself and of the day when the petition is presented and of sundays and public holidays, and the court to which the notice is so presented shall receive it and deal with it as hereinafter provided. If such conditions are not fulfilled, the court shall refuse to receive it.
(5): Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Ordinance, for the purposes of this Chapter "judgment" means any judgment or order having the effect of a final judgment made by any civil court; and " order" means the final expression of any decision in any civil action, proceeding or matter which is not a judgment.

Notice of appeal. _{₇₅₅_.}[109,20 of 1977]

(1) Every notice of appeal shall be distinctly written on good and suitable

[ [50,79 of 1980]

paper and shall be signed by the appellant or his registered attorney and shall

[50,79 of 1988]

be duly stamped. Such notice shall also contain the following particulars:

(a): the name of the court from which the appeal is preferred;
(b): the number of the action;
(c): the names and addresses of the parties to the action ;
(d): the names of the appellant and respondent;
(e): the nature of the relief claimed :

Provided that where the appeal is lodged by the Attorney-General, no such stamps shall be necessary.

(3): Every appellant shall within sixty days from the date of the judgment or decree appealed against present to the original court a petition of appeal

Security to be by

756.

bond and with

surety. [50,79 of 1980] [50,79 of 1988] [12,14 of 1997]

setting out the circumstances out of which the appeal arises and the grounds of objection to the judgment or decree appealed against, and containing the particulars required by section 758, which shall be signed by the appellant or his registered attorney. Such petition of appeal shall be exempt from stamp duty. Provided that, if such petition is not presented to the original court within sixty days from the date of the judgment or decree appealed against, the court shall refuse to receive the appeal.

(4): Upon the petition of appeal being filed, the court shall forward the petition of appeal together with all the papers and proceedings in the case relevant to the judgment or decree appealed against as speedily as possible, to the Court of Appeal, retaining however an office copy of the judgment or decree appealed against for the purposes of execution, if necessary. Such proceedings shall be accompanied by a certificate from the Registrar of the court stating the dates of the institution and decision of the case, in whose favour it was decided and the dates on which the notice and the petition of appeal were filed and the opinion of the Judge as to whether or not there is a right of appeal against the judgment or decree appealed against.
(5): On receipt of the petition of appeal, the Registrar of the Court of Appeal shall forthwith number the petition and shall enter such number in the Register of Appeals and notify the parties concerned by registered post: Provided that when the judge of the original court has expressed an opinion that there is no right of appeal against the judgment or decree appealed against, the Registrar shall submit the petition of appeal to the President of the Court of Appeal or any other Judge nominated by the President of the Court of Appeal who shall require the petition to be supported in open court by the petitioner or an attorney on his behalf on a day to be fixed by such Judge, and the court having heard the petitioner or his attorney, may, reject such petition or fix a date for the hearing of the petition, and order notice thereafter to be issued on the respondent or respondents; Provided further that, when a petition is rejected under this section the court shall record the reasons for such rejection.
(1): The security which is required to be deposited by a party appellant shall be made by way of deposit of a sum of money or hypothecation of immovable property, to cover the costs of appeal and to no greater amount: Provided that where money is deposited as security, the same shall be deemed to have been hypothecated in favour of the Registrar of the court, for the payment of all costs which shall be incurred and taxed in prosecution of such appeal if the appellant is decreed to pay the same.

Procedure in respect of application for leave to appeal.

[50,79 of 1988]

[3,38 of 1998]

757.

(1) Every application for leave to appeal against an order of court made in the course of any civil action, proceeding or matter shall be made by petition duly stamped, addressed to the Court of Appeal and signed by the party aggrieved or his registered attorney. Such petition shall be supported by affidavit, and shall contain the particulars required by section 758, and shall be presented to the Court of Appeal by the party appellant or his registered attorney within a period of fourteen days from the date when the order appealed against was pronounced, exclusive of the day of that date itself, and of the day when the application is presented and of Sundays and public holidays, and the Court of Appeal shall receive it and deal with it as hereinafter provided and if such conditions are not fulfilled the Court of Appeal shall reject it. The appellant

shall along with such petition, tender as many copies as may be required for
service on the respondents.
(2) Upon an application for leave to appeal being filed in the Registry of the
Court of Appeal, the Registrar shall number such application and shall
forthwith send notice of such application by registered post, to each of the
respondents named therein, together with copies of the petition, affidavit and
annexures, if any. The notice shall state that the respondent shall be heard in
opposition to the application on the date to be specified in such notice. An
application for leave to appeal may include a prayer for a stay order, interim
injunction or other relief.
(4) On the date specified in the notice sent under subsection (2) or on such
other dale as the Court may fix, the Court shall hear the application for leave
to appeal and shall grant or refuse leave to appeal :
Provided that pending the hearing and disposal of such application and in the
event of leave to appeal being granted, pending the hearing and disposal of
the appeal, the Court may make order granting such interim relief as it deems
to be appropriate in the circumstances.
(5) Upon leave to appeal being granted, the Registrar of the Court of Appeal
shall immediately inform the original court, and, unless the Court of Appeal
has otherwise directed, all proceedings in the original court shall be stayed
and the said court shall as speedily as possible forward to the Court of Appeal
all the papers and proceedings in the case, relevant to the matter in issue:
[§16,2 of 1990] Provided however that in an application for leave to appeal in
respect of any order made in the course of any action instituted under the
Debt Recovery (Special Provisions) Act, No. 2 of 1990, proceedings in the
original court shall not be stayed when leave to appeal is granted unless the
Court of Appeal otherwise directs and the Court of appeal shall where it
decides to grant leave to appeal call upon the appellant to give security in
cash or by a guarantee from a banker for the satisfaction of the entire claim of
that plaintiff or such part thereof as the court deem fit in all the circumstances
of the case, in the event of the appeal being dismissed.
Language and	758.
[50,79 of 1988] form of appeal.		(1) The petition of appeal shall be distinctly written upon good and suitable paper, and shall contain the following particulars:
		(a) the name of the court in which the case is pending;
		(b) the names of the parties to the action;
		(c) the names of the appellant and of the respondent;
		(d) the address to the Court of Appeal;
		(e) a plain and concise statement of the grounds of objection to
		the judgment, decree, or order appealed against- such statement
		to be set forth in duly numbered paragraphs; form of relief
		(f) a demand of the form of relief claimed.
	In deciding
	appeal, court	(2) The court in deciding any appeal shall not be confined to the grounds set

not confined to forth by the appellant, but it shall not rest its decision on any ground not set grounds set forth by the appellant, unless the respondent has had sufficient opportunity of forth by being heard on that ground. appellant.

Where petition to

759.

be rejected.

(1) If the petition of appeal is not drawn up in the manner in the last preceding

[50,79 of 1980]

section prescribed, it may be rejected, or be returned to the appellant for the

[50,79 of 1988]

purpose of being amended, within a time to be fixed by the court; or be amended then and there. When the court rejects under this section any petition of appeal, it shall record the reasons of such rejection. And when any petition of appeal is amended under this section, the -Judge, or such officer as he shall appoint in that behalf, shall attest the amendment by his signature.

[112,20 of (2) In the case of any mistake, omission or defect on the part of any appellant 1977]

in complying with the provisions of the foregoing sections, the Court of Appeal may, if it should be of opinion that the respondent has not been materially prejudiced, grant relief on such terms as it may deem just.

When one of several plaintiffs or defendants may appeal against whole decree.

[50,79 of 1980]

[50,79 of 1988] Death or change of status of party to appeal.

[113,20 of 1977]

Application for execution of decree not to be entertained till expiry of appealable time.

[114,20 of 1977]

Application for execution of decree pending appeal must be on notice to debtor; and execution will only be granted on security.

760. Where there are more plaintiffs or more defendants than one in an action, and the decree appealed against proceeds on any ground common to all the plaintiffs or to all the defendants, any one of the plaintiffs or of the defendants may appeal against the whole

decree, and thereupon the Court of Appeal may reverse or modify the decree in favour of all the plaintiffs or defendants, as the case may be.

760A. Where at any time after the lodging of an appeal in any civil action, proceeding or matter, the record becomes defective by reason of the death or change of status of a party to the appeal, the Court of Appeal may in the manner provided in the rules made by the Supreme Court for that purpose, determine who, in the opinion of the court, is the proper person to be substituted or entered on the record in place of, or in addition to, the party who has died or undergone a change of status, and the name of such person shall thereupon be deemed to be substituted or entered of record as aforesaid.

CHAPTER LIX OF THE EXECUTION OF DECREES UNDER APPEAL

761. No application for execution of an appealable decree shall be instituted or entertained until after the expiry of the time allowed for appealing therefrom:

Provided, however, that where an appeal is preferred against such a decree, the judgment-creditor may forthwith apply for execution of such decree under the provisions of section 763. [Section 762 repealed by Law No. 20 of 1977]

763.

(1) In the case of an application being made by the judgment-creditor for execution of a decree which is appealed against, the judgment-debtor shall be made respondent. If, on any such application, an order is made for the execution of a decree against which an appeal is pending, the court which passed the decree shall, on sufficient cause being shown by the appellant, require security to be given for the restitution of any property which may be taken in execution of the decree, or for the payment of the value of such property, and for the due performance of the decree or order of the Court of Appeal. And when an order has been passed for the sale of immovable property in execution of a decree for money, and an appeal is pending against such decree, the sale shall, on the application of the judgment-debtor, be stayed until the appeal is disposed of, on such terms as to giving security or otherwise as the court which passed the decree thinks fit.

[19,53 of 1980] (2) The Court may order execution to be stayed upon such terms and conditions as it may deem fit, where

(a): the judgment-debtor satisfies the court that substantial loss may result to the judgment-debtor unless an order for stay of execution is made, and
(b): security is given by the judgment- debtor for the due performance of such decree or order as may ultimately be binding upon him. Provided that in the case of decrees entered under the provisions of the Debt Recovery (Special Provisions) Act, No. 2 of 1990, the security to be given by the judgment-debtor shall be the full amount of the decreed sum or such part thereof as the court deem fit in all the circumstances of the case.

Exception in favour of the State.	764. No such security in appeal shall be required from the State or (when Government has undertaken the defence of the action) from any public officer sued in respect of an act alleged to be done by him in his official capacity.
	CHAPTER LX
	OF APPEAL NOTWITHSTANDING LAPSE OF TIME

Appeal

765. It shall be competent to the Court of Appeal to admit and entertain a petition of appeal notwithstanding

from a decree of any original court, although the provisions of sections 754, 755 have not lapse of time.

been observed:

[51,79 of 1988]

Provided that the Court of Appeal is satisfied that the petitioner was prevented by causes not within his control from complying with those provisions ; and Provided also that it appears to the Court of Appeal that the petitioner has a good ground of appeal, and that nothing has occurred since the date when the decree or order which is appealed from was passed to render it inequitable to the judgment-creditor that the decree or order appealed from should be disturbed.

Petition therefor,

766. In every such petition of appeal as is the subject of the last section the judgment-to be presented

creditor shall be named respondent, and the petition shall be accompanied by a certified copy immediately to the of the decree or order appealed from, and of the judgment on which it is based, as well as by court of Appeal.

such affidavits of facts and other materials as may constitute prima facie evidence that the conditions precedent to the petition of appeal being entertained, which are prescribed in the last section, are fulfilled. Also, every such petition shall be presented to be presented immediately to the Court of Appeal in its the Court of appellate jurisdiction, and in addition to the Appeal. prayer for relief in respect to the subject of appeal it shall contain a prayer that the appeal may be admitted notwithstanding the lapse of time.

Order of Court of

767. On any such petition being forwarded to the Court of Appeal the question whether or Appeal thereon.

not it ought to be admitted shall be a preliminary question to be determined forthwith on summary procedure, according to the provisions of alternative (b), section 377. If upon the hearing of this question the Court of Appeal is satisfied that the conditions prescribed in section 765 are fulfilled, it may order the petition of appeal to be admitted upon such' conditions as to costs, security, or otherwise as to the court may seem just, and in the event of its doing so the Registrar shall, where the court of first instance is the Court of Appeal, proceed as in section 768 provided ; but where such court is a District Court, Family Court or Primary Court, the Court of Appeal shall issue a mandate to such court, directing it to forward to the Court of Appeal the record of the proceedings of the action in which the decree or order appealed from was passed; if, however, on the contrary, the court is not satisfied that the said conditions are fulfilled, it shall dismiss the petition and make such order as to costs as may seem to the court just;

CHAPTER LXI

HEARING OF THE APPEAL

^{Hearing of appeal}768. When the petition of appeal has been preferred to the Court of Appeal in the manner [116,20 of 1977] in section 755 prescribed or in the event of the petition of appeal being presented immediately to the Court of Appeal, and when the order for the admission has been made, the Registrar of the Court of Appeal shall enter it in the roll of pending appeals, and the matter of the appeal shall come up for hearing before the court without further notice to the parties concerned, in accordance with the direction given to such Registrar by the President of the Court or any other Judge of the Court of Appeal authorized by him in that behalf; Provided however that the preceding provisions of this section shall not in any event derogate from the right, power or authority of any division of the Court of Appeal or any Judge thereof to make any order in regard to any case or matter listed for hearing, order or disposal before such court or Judge; Provided further that a list of the appeals pending before the court in their order on the roll, or of a sufficient number of them, be daily kept suspended upon the notice-board of the court, and that no appeal shall come on for hearing until it has been in that list in the case of appeals from District Courts or Family Courts for fourteen days, or in the case of appeals

Appellant and respondent to be heard.

Power of court to adjourn hearing.

[118,20 of 1977]

Rights of respondent to object to decree.

Rights of respondent at hearing.

Power of court to dismiss the appeal, affirm, vary or set aside the decree or direct new trial, &

c. [119,20 of 1977]

Judgment of the court.

from Primary Courts for seven days ; Provided also that the court may of its own motion or on the application of a party concerned and with reasonable notice to the parties accelerate or postpone the hearing of an appeal, upon any such terms as to the prosecution or the costs of the appeal, or otherwise as it may think fit.

769.

(1) When the appeal comes on for hearing, the appellant shall be heard in support of the appeal. The court shall then, if it does not at once dismiss the appeal or affirm the decree appealed from, hear the respondent against the appeal, and in such case the appellant shall be entitled to reply.

[117,20 of (2) If the appellant does not appear either in person or by an attorney-at-law 1977]

to support his appeal, the court shall consider the appeal and make such order thereon as it thinks fit: Provided that, on sufficient cause shown, it shall be lawful for the Court of Appeal to reinstate upon such terms as the court shall think fit any appeal that has been dismissed under this subsection.

If, at the hearing of the appeal, the respondent is not present and the court is not satisfied upon the material in the record or upon other evidence that the notice of appeal was duly served upon him or his registered attorney as hereinbefore provided, or if it appears to the court at such hearing that any person who was a party to the action in the court against whose decree the appeal is made, but who has not been made a party to the appeal, is
interested in the result of the appeal, the court may issue the requisite notice of appeal for service.

When an appeal is heard ex parte in the absence of the respondent, and Judgment is given against him, he may apply to the Court of Appeal to rehear the appeal; and if he satisfies the court that the notice of appeal was not duly served, or that he was prevented by sufficient cause from attending when the appeal was called on for hearing, the court may

rehear the appeal on such terms as to costs or otherwise as the court thinks fit to impose upon him.

772.

(1): Any respondent, though he may not have appealed against any part of the decree, may, upon the hearing, not only support the decree on any of the grounds decided against him in the court below, but take any objection to the decree which he could have taken by way of appeal, provided he has given to the appellant or his registered attorney seven days' notice in writing of such objection.
(2): Such objection shall be in the form prescribed in paragraph (e) of section

758.

773. Upon hearing the appeal, it shall be competent to the Court of Appeal to affirm, reverse, correct or modify any judgment, decree, or order, according to law, or to pass such judgment, decree or order therein between and as regards the parties, or to give such direction to the court below, or to order a new trial or a further hearing upon such terms as the Court of Appeal shall think fit, or, if need be, to receive and admit new evidence additional to, or supplementary of, the evidence already taken in the court of first instance, touching the matters at issue in any original cause, suit or action, as justice may require or to

order a new or further trial on the ground of discovery of fresh evidence subsequent to the trial.

774.

(1) On the termination of the hearing of the appeal, the Court of Appeal shall either at once or on some future day, which shall either then be appointed for the purpose, or of which notice shall subsequently be given to the parties or their counsel, pronounce judgment in open court; and each Judge may, if he desires it, pronounce a separate judgment.

[120,20 of (2) The judgment which shall be given or taken down in writing, shall be 1977]

signed and dated by the Judges, and shall state

(a) the points for determination; Decree of the Court of Appeal.

Execution of the decree passed in appeal.

Summary procedure case of contempt.

Summons to accused.

When may court issue warrant simultaneously with summons.

(b): the decision of the Judges thereon;
(c): the reasons which have led to the decision;
(d): the relief, if any, to which the appellant is entitled on the appeal in consequence of the decision.

[Section 775 is repealed by Law No. 20 of 1977]

776.

(2): The decree shall also state by what parties, and in what proportions, the

costs of the action are to be paid. Decree to be

(3) The decree shall be sealed with the seal of the court, ; sealed after sealing (4) As soon as the decree is sealed all the proceedings in the case sent up to of decree the Court of Appeal (together with the petition of appeal and order thereon, if proceedings to any, a copy of the judgment or judgments pronounced on appeal, and the be returned to decree of the Court of Appeal) shall be forthwith returned to the court of first court of first instance ; which shall conform to and execute such decree in all particulars.

instance

777. When a party entitled to any benefit (by way of restitution or otherwise) under a decree passed in an appeal under this Chapter desires to obtain execution of the same, he shall apply to the court which passed the decree against which the appeal was preferred ; and such court shall proceed to execute the decree passed in appeal, according to the rules hereinbefore prescribed for the execution of decrees in an action.

[Chapters LXII to LXIV - Sections 778 to 791 (both inclusive) repealed by Law No. 20 of 1977]

PART IX

OF SUMMARY PROCEDURE IN RESPECT OF CONTEMPTS OF COURT

CHAPTER LXV

792.In all courts the summary procedure to be followed for the exercise of the special jurisdiction to take cognizance 01 contempt. and to punish summarily offences of contempt of court, and offences declared by this Ordinance to be punishable as contempts of court, shall be that which is prescribed in the sections next immediately following.

The court shall issue a summons to the accused person in the form No. 132 in the First Schedule or to the like effect, which summons shall state shortly the nature of the alleged offence and the information or grounds upon which the summons is issued, and shall
require the accused person to appear before the court on a day named in the summons to answer the charge.

It shall be competent to the court simultaneously with issuing such summons, or at any time after such summons has been issued, if it has reason to believe that the attendance of the accused person at the time appointed in the summons to answer the charge cannot

otherwise be secured, to issue a warrant for his arrest in the form No. 133 in the First Schedule or to the like effect, which warrant shall recite the issuing of the summons, and the Judge to record minute of facts observed by him.

On day of hearing court may ask accused if he admits truth of charge.

Form of the conviction and sentence thereon.

Appeal to Court of Appeal.

Procedure for carrying out sentence of court in case of conviction for contempt.

Sentences to be imposed under this Chapter.

[20,53 of 1980] Provisions for Small Claims Courts.

day appointed therein for the hearing of the charge, and shall command that the accused person after arrest be kept in custody until that day, and be then brought before the court to answer the charge in the summons; Provided that the person arrested shall at any time after arrest be enlarged upon sufficient security, to an amount endorsed on the warrant by the court, either of the accused person's own bond or that of another person, for his appearance in court on the day named in the summons, being furnished to the officer in whose custody he is.

When the information upon which the charge is based is furnished to the court, either wholly or in part, by the personal observation of the Judge of the accused person's behaviour and language in his presence, the Judge shall at the time record a minute of the facts so observed by him, which shall be admissible as evidence at the hearing of the charge, and in such case no such summons as in section 793 is mentioned shall be necessary, but the accused person may be forthwith committed to jail or admitted to bail as in the last preceding
section provided, and all further steps shall be taken in manner herein provided, as though such summons or summons and warrant as aforesaid had been issued.

On the day appointed by the court for the hearing of the charge, or on any subsequent day to which the hearing may have been adjourned in consequence of the previous nonattendance of the accused person, the court shall commence the hearing by asking the accused person whether or not he admits the truth of the charge; and if he does not admit the truth of the charge, the court shall proceed to take evidence (if any) which may be necessary

in addition to the court minute under section 795 to establish the charge; and also to take the accused person's statement and any evidence which he may offer in answer to the charge.

797.

(1) If the accused person admits the charge, or if after taking the evidence on both sides and considering the court minute and hearing the accused person's explanation the court finds the accused person guilty of the charge, it shall make out a conviction in the form No. 134 in the First Schedule or to the like effect, which shall recite the materials on which the conviction is founded, and adjudicate upon the material facts of the accused person's behaviour and language, with so much of the surrounding circumstances as cause these to constitute the offences of contempt of court. And the sentence passed by the court shall be recorded on this conviction.

When may (2) If the court finds the accused person not guilty of the charge laid, it shall court dismiss dismiss the charge, and shall make and record an order to that effect.

charge.

An appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeal from every order, sentence, or conviction made by any court in the exercise of its special jurisdiction to take cognizance of, and to punish by way of summary procedure the offence of contempt of court, and of offences by this Ordinance made punishable as contempt of court; and the procedure on any such
appeal shall follow the procedure laid down in the Code of Criminal Procedure Act regulating appeals from orders made in the ordinary criminal jurisdiction of Magistrates' Courts.

Every sentence of fine or imprisonment passed by a court in exercise of its special jurisdiction to take cognizance of, and to punish by way of summary procedure the offence of, contempt of court, and offences by this Ordinance made punishable as contempt of court, shall be carried into effect in the same manner and according to the same procedure as is
provided in the Code of Criminal Procedure Act for carrying into effect sentences of fine or imprisonment passed by any court in the exercise of its ordinary criminal jurisdiction.

The provisions of Article 105 (3) of the Constitution and sections 18 and 55 of the
Judicature Act shall apply to the sentence of fine or imprisonment, as the case may be, that may be imposed on conviction for contempt under this Chapter by the various courts.

The following special provisions as to procedure in Small Claims Courts, shall be taken as limiting and controlling the general provisions hereinbefore contained, but so far only as any such provisions are either expressly or impliedly applicable to such courts. Such general provisions shall apply to Small Claims Courts in all respects whenever they are not

inconsistent with the special provisions contained in this Chapter, but where there is any such inconsistency the special provisions herein contained shall apply.

PLEADINGS

Filing of plaint and other pleadings.

Plaint to be numbered.

Plaint to state cause.

What cause of action may be joined.

Summons to issue.

Of the transmission of summons.

Of the service of summons.

802.

(1): An action may be instituted in the Small Claims Court by the plaintiff presenting or transmitting to the court a duly signed written statement in plain or concise language, or the plaintiff may state his case orally to the Judge of such court who shall cause it to be reduced into writing, and obtain the plaintiff's signature to it, and the statement so taken down in writing or the statement presented or transmitted to the court, shall be deemed to be the plaint in the case.

The plaint, or statement by way of plaint, shall bear the serial number of the court in
the order in which, and the date of the day and year on which, it was filed, and shall state the names and residences of the parties.

The plaint must state in a plain and direct manner the facts constituting the cause of action.

The plaintiff may unite in the same plaint two or more causes of action when they all arise

out of the same transaction or transactions connected with the same subject of action; or
out of contract express or implied: Provided that, it must appear on the face of the plaint that all the causes of action so united are consistent with each other, that they entitle the plaintiff to the same kind of relief, and that they affect all the parties.

808. Upon such plaint or statement being filed as aforesaid the court shall, by a note thereon, appoint a date for the appearance of the defendant, such date being a day not later than three months from the date of institution of the action in court and shall inform the plaintiff or his attorney-at-law thereof; and the court shall also issue a summons for the appearance of the defendant, stating therein the names and residences of the parties, the

substance of the claim, and the number of the case. Every such summons shall be in the form No. 18 in the First Schedule.

SUMMONS

All summonses, orders, and other process issuing from any Small Claims Court shall be signed by the Registrar of the court, and shall be transmitted to any Fiscal within Sri Lanka for service or execution: Provided that where it shall be made to appear to the court that service of any summons, order, or process (excepting writs of execution and of possession) may be more conveniently or speedily effected otherwise than by transmitting the same to a Fiscal, it shall be lawful for the court, by endorsement on any such summons, order, or process, to direct that the same may be served by any person named therein; Provided further that where the Fiscal of the court fails, due to circumstances beyond his control to serve summons on the defendant as specified above, the court may at its discretion extend the period fixed for the return of summons to another date, such date being
a day not later than three months from the date on which the defendant was first required to answer the plaint.

Sections 59 to 71, (both inclusive) and Chapter XXIII of this Ordinance shall apply to

the service, return, and proof of service of summons of the Small Claims Court in so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions contained in the last preceding section.

PROCEEDINGS OF APPEARANCE The defendant to appear and admit or deny the claim.

Examination of parties.

Of the claim in reconvention.

Of entering admission.

Action founded upon account or instrument for payment of money.

Immaterial variance to be disregarded.

Amendment of pleading.

Consequence of neglect to plead claim in reconvention. Cases to which section 816 does not apply.

809.

(1): At the place and on the date specified in the summons the defendant shall be called upon to admit or deny the plaintiff's claim.
(2): If the defendant shall admit the claim, the court shall enter, such admission on the record in the form No. 135 in the First Schedule, and shall require the defendant to sign the same and enter judgment for the plaintiff; Provided that it shall be lawful for a defendant, who cannot conveniently attend court, to forward his admission to the Registrar, signed by himself in the presence and under the attestation of an attorney-at-law, known to him, and upon the receipt and entry of such admission, the court shall accordingly enter judgment for the plaintiff.
(3): If the defendant shall deny the claim he shall be called upon to plead to the same forthwith, or within such time as the court on cause shown may allow; and he shall either state his defence orally to court, and the court shall cause it to be reduced to writing and obtain the defendant's signature to it, or he shall deliver to the Registrar an answer in writing, as provided in section 73 setting out his defence, and any claim in reconvention which he may have against the plaintiff. Such answer shall be signed by the defendant, or his attorney-at- law, and shall be duly stamped and dated, and forthwith filed of record by the Registrar.

The parties may at any stage of the proceeding be examined by court with the view of
ascertaining the points at issue between them and of dispensing with any unnecessary evidence.

If the defendant pleads a claim in reconvention with his answer, the plaintiff shall be called upon to admit or deny the same. If he denies the claim in reconvention, the plaintiff shall be required forthwith, or at such further time as the court shall fix, to plead thereto, and the provisions of subsection (3) of section 809 shall, so for as applicable, apply, mutatis mutandis, to the plaintiff's reply to the defendant's claim in reconvention:
Provided, however, that in no case shall the plaintiff set out in his reply any new matter amounting to a new cause of action if he could have pleaded the same in his original plaint.

If the plaintiff admits the claim in reconvention, the court shall enter such admission on record and shall require the plaintiff to sign the same.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLEADINGS

For the purpose of setting forth a cause of action, or claim in reconvention founded upon an account or upon an instrument for the payment of money only, it is sufficient for the party to deliver the instrument, or a copy of the account, to the court, and to state that there
is due to him thereupon from the adverse party a specified sum which he claims to recover or set off.

A variance between an allegation in a pleading and the proof shall be disregarded as
immaterial, unless such proof discloses a new cause of action, or the court is satisfied that the adverse party has been misled thereby to his prejudice.

The provision of section 93 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, in respect of amendment of pleadings in the Small Claims Courts.
Where the defendant in any action neglects to interpose a claim in reconvention consisting of a cause of action in his favour for a like cause, which might have been allowed to him at the trial of the action, he and every person deriving title thereto, through or from him, are for ever thereafter precluded from maintaining an action to recover the same.

The prohibition in the last section contained does not extend to the following cases:

where the amount of the claim in reconvention exceeds the monetary jurisdiction of the court;
where the claim in reconvention consists of a judgment rendered before the commencement of the action in which it might have been interposed;
where the claim in reconvention is for unliquidated damages;
where the claim in reconvention consists of a claim upon which another action was pending at the time the action was commenced;
where judgment is taken against the defendant without personal service of summons upon him, or an appearance by him.

Judgment upon claim in reconvention.

Fixing the case for trial.

Adjournments.

The Court may upon adjournment order. examination of witnesses.

Proceedings on default of appearance of plaintiff.

818. Where a claim in reconvention is established which equals the plaintiff's claim, the judgment must be in favour of the defendant; where it is less than the plaintiff's claim, the plaintiff must have judgment for the residue only; where it exceeds the plaintiff's claim, the defendant must have judgment for the excess, or so much thereof as is due from the plaintiff.

FIXING DATE OF TRIAL

819.
(1) Immediately after the defendant's oral defence has been recorded or his
written answer received, as provided by subsection (3) of section 809, or
where there is a claim in reconvention immediately after the same has been
pleaded to as provided by section 811, the court shall fix a date for the trial of
the action, and shall enter a minute thereof on the record; and all actions fixed
for trial shall be entered in their proper order in the trial roll, to be, for that
purpose, kept by the Registrar and shall be taken up for trial in the order in
which they are so entered:
Provided, however, that it shall be competent for the court, upon cause
shown, to take up any action and try the same out of its turn.
(2) On the day appointed under subsection (1) of this section, the court, shall
record the admissions if any, made by the parties as to any facts in issue, or
as to the authenticity of any document to be produced at the trial, and shall
proceed to determine the issues.
List of	(3) The parties shall, as soon as the date of trial is fixed, file a list of their
witnesses.	witnesses, and of the documents which they propose to read in evidence at
	the trial, and no witness shall be examined and no document shall be received
	in evidence at the trial without the leave of the court unless the name of such
	witness and the description of such document appears in such list.

ADJOURNMENTS

The provisions of section 143 of the Ordinance, shall apply in respect of adjournments in the Small Claims Courts.
Upon granting an application for adjournment the court may direct that any witness

who is in attendance be then examined, and the testimony of a witness so examined shall be recorded, and may be read at the trial as the evidence of such witness.

OF DEFAULT OF APPEARANCE

822.

(1) If upon the date specified in the summons or any date to which the filing of answer has been postponed under section 807, or upon any date fixed for the hearing of the action the plaintiff shall not appear or sufficiently excuse his absence, the plaintiff's action may be dismissed: Provided that if the defendant when called upon under section 809 shall admit the claim of the plaintiff, the court shall enter judgment for the plaintiff according to law. On default of appearance of defendant.

On default of (2) If upon the date specified in the summons, or any date to which the filing of appearance of answer has been postponed under section 807, or upon any date fixed for the defendant. hearing of the action, the defendant shall not appear or sufficiently excuse his

absence, the court may, upon due proof of service of the summons, notice, or order requiring such appearance, enter judgment by default against the defendant: Provided, however, that in all cases where in the title to, interest in, or right to, the possession of land shall be in dispute, and in any other case in which the court shall deem it necessary or expedient to hear evidence in support of the plaintiff's claim, it shall order him to adduce such evidence on any day to be fixed for that purpose, and after hearing such evidence the court shall give Sections 94 to 100 not to apply to Small Claims Courts.

The attendance of witnesses.

Chapter XVII, exclusive of section 121, to apply to Small Claims Courts.

The trial.

Record of the proceedings.

Extent of application of Chapter XIX to Small Claims Courts.

such judgment on the merits as justice shall require, and without reference to the default that has been committed. Judgment by default may be opened up in certain cases.

Judgement by (3) If the defendant shall within a reasonable time, after such judgment or default may be order, by affidavit or otherwise, satisfy the court that he was prevented from opened up in appearing in due time by accident, misfortune, or other unavoidable cause, or certain cases. by not having received sufficient information of the proceedings and that he

did not absent himself for the purpose of avoiding service of the summons or notice, and that he has a good and valid defence on the merits of the case, then the court may set aside such judgment or order and any proceedings had thereon, and may admit the defendant to proceed with his defence upon such terms and notice to the plaintiff as the court may think fit.

If neither party (4) If upon the day specified in the summons or any day to which the filing of appears action answer has been postponed under section 807, or upon any day fixed for the to be hearing of the action, neither party appears when the case is called, the court dismissed. shall enter judgment dismissing the plaintiffs action, but without costs. Plaintiff may (5) When an action has been dismissed under the provisions of subsection (1) be granted or subsection (4) of this section, and the plaintiff has by affidavit or otherwise permission to satisfied the court that he was prevented from appearing by accident, institute a misfortune, or other unavoidable cause, the court may with notice to the fresh action. defendant either set aside the order of dismissal and proceed with the action

upon such terms as it thinks fit or, grant to the plaintiff permission to institute a fresh action upon payment into court of the amount (if any) due to the defendant as costs in the previous action.

No appeal (6) No appeal shall lie against any judgment entered under this section for from judgment default of appearance, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in by default. the Judicature Act, No. 2 of 1978, or in this Code. Sections 84 to 88 not to apply (7) Sections 84 to 88 (both inclusive), shall not apply to the proceedings in the to Small Small Claims Courts. Claims Courts.

INTERROGATORIES

Sections 94 to 100, both inclusive, shall not apply to the proceedings in the Small Claims Courts.
OF THE ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES

The process of the Small Claims Court for compelling the attendance of witnesses shall be by summons, with or without a clause requiring the production of documents in their
possession or control; every such summons shall be substantially in the form No. 136 in the First Schedule.

The provisions of Chapter XVII of this Ordinance, exclusive of section 121, shall apply to the proceedings in the Small Claims Courts.
OF THE TRIAL

On the day of trial the Judge shall hear and determine the action according to law.
A full and complete record shall be kept of the examination of the parties, the evidence of the witnesses, and of all other proceedings had in the action.
The provisions of Chapter XIX of this Ordinance shall, in so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions in this Chapter contained, apply to the Small Claims Courts.

Action by way of summary procedure on liquid claims.

Judgments and decrees.

Appeal and stay of execution pending appeal.

Executions.

Taxation of costs and stamp duty.

Appeals.

829.

(1) In any action where the claim is for a debt or liquidated demand in money arising upon a bill of exchange, promissory note, or cheque, or instrument, or contract in writing for a liquidated amount of money, or on a guarantee where the claim against the principal is in respect of such debt or liquidated demand, bill, note, or cheque, and the plaintiff desires to proceed by way of .summary procedure, he may institute such action in the manner provided in Chapter LIII of this Ordinance, and the provisions of that Chapter, exclusive of section 710, shall, for the purposes of any such action, apply to proceedings in the Small Claims Courts.

Saving clause. (2) Except as provided in Chapter LIII of this Ordinance, the procedure in any such action shall be the same as the procedure in actions instituted under this Chapter.

Extending (3) The provisions of section 183A of the Ordinance in respect of affidavits by provisions of parties and action shall apply in respect of the making of affidavits in Small section 183 A. Claims Courts.

OF THE JUDGMENT

Judgments in Small Claims Courts shall be pronounced in open court, be reduced into writing on the record, and be signed by the Judge, and the provisions of Chapter XX of this
Ordinance shall, so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions contained in this Chapter, apply to the Small Claims Courts.

The provisions of Chapters LVIII, LIX, LX, LXI and LXII with reference to appeals and

the stay of execution pending appeal, shall, so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Chapter, apply to Small Claims Courts.

EXECUTIONS

832.

(1): The provisions of Chapter XXII of this Ordinance shall apply to all executions from Small Claims Courts so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Chapter.
(2): Money which has been realized in execution of a decree shall be paid out to the decree-holder on his ex pane application, provided that no notice has been received by the court of any claims to such money by any other person or persons.

TAXATION OF COSTS AND STAMP DUTY

833.

(1): Before any writ of execution shall be issued as aforesaid, the Registrar shall, at the request of the party applying for the writ, forthwith tax the costs and expenses of the action as against the adverse party, and shall enter a note of such taxation and of the amount thereby allowed on the record of the case; and such costs and expenses shall in all cases be taxed and payable according to the rates specified in Part IV of the Second Schedule to this Act.
(2): All proceedings in the Small Claims Courts shall be exempt from the payment of stamp duty under the provisions of the Stamp Duty Act, No. 42 of 1983.

APPEALS 833A.

(1): There shall be no appeal from any judgment, or any order having the effect of a final judgment pronounced by the Judge of any Small Claims Court in any action for debt, damage, or demand, unless upon a matter of law, or upon the admission or rejection of evidence, or with the leave of the court.
(2): In the event of the Judge refusing to grant leave to appeal, it shall be lawful

for the party aggrieved thereby, within seven days from the date of such
refusal, to file in the Small Claims Court a written application by petition to the
Court of Appeal, for leave to appeal. Such application shall for with be
forwarded by the court to the Court of Appeal together with all papers and
proceedings of the case, and a record of his grounds and reasons for refusing
to grant leave to appeal and shall be disposed of ex pane by a Judge of the
Court of Appeal. If upon hearing the application the Judge shall allow the
appeal, he shall issue an order to the court to admit the petition of appeal,
upon such conditions and within such time as to the Judge shall seem meet.
Exemption from stamp duty.	833B. Every petition of appeal tendered under section 833A and all documents filed and produced, shall be exempt from stamp duty under the provisions of the Stamp Duty Act, No.
	42 of 1983.

CHAPTER LXVIA

PROCEDURE RELATING TO INQUIRIES INTO DISPUTES AFFECTING LAND WHERE A BREACH OF THE PEACE IS THREATENED OR LIKELY

Reference of

833C.

disputes affecting (1) Whenever owing to a dispute affecting land a breach of the peace is land.

threatened or likely

(b): any party to such dispute may file an affidavit in the Small Claims Court setting out the facts and the relief sought and specifying as respondents the names and addresses of the other parties to the dispute. The court shall thereupon by its usual process or by registered post notice the parties so named, to appear in court on the date specified in the notice, such date being not later than three weeks from the date on which the affidavit was filed, and shall require them to file affidavits setting out their claims, annexing thereto any documents (or certified copies thereof) on which they rely.

(2): Where a statement or affidavit is filed in a Small Claims Court under subsection (I), the Small Claims Court shall have and is hereby vested with jurisdiction to inquire into, and make a determination or order on the dispute.
(3): On the date on which the parties are produced under sub-paragraph (ii) of paragraph (a) of subsection (1) or on the date fixed for their appearance in court under sub-paragraph (i) of paragraph (a) of that subsection, the court shall appoint a date being a date not later than three weeks from the date on which the parties are so produced or on the date so fixed for their appearance, directing the parties to file affidavits setting out their claims and annexing thereto any documents (or certified copies thereof) on which they rely.
(5): Where any affidavits and documents are filed on the date fixed for filing them, the court shall, on application made by the parties filing affidavits, grant such parties time not exceeding two weeks for filing counter-affidavits with documents if any. The court shall permit such parties or their attorney-at-law to peruse the record in the presence of the Registrar for the preparation of the counter-affidavits.

Interim order.

833D. At any time after proceedings are commended under Chapter it shall be lawful for the Judge of the Small Claims Court to make an interim order in terms of any order which he is empowered to make under this Chapter, to be in operation until the conclusion of such proceedings.

Validity of orders. _{_833E_.}

(1): An order delivered after the period specified in sub-paragraph (ii) of subsection (6) of section 833C shall be of no force or effect. A Judge of the Small Claims Court who fails to deliver an order within the period specified in sub-paragraph (ii) of subsection (6) of section 833C, shall submit a written report on the failure to make his order within the period specified, to the Chairman of the Judicial Services Commission.
(2): Where an order made in respect of a dispute becomes of no force and effect by reason of the operation of subsection (1) any interim order made under section 833D in respect of that dispute, shall also be of no force and effect

Bar to fresh proceedings.

Where proceedings are filed in competent court or tribunal.

Determination and order of Judge of Small Claims Court when dispute is in regard to possession.

833F. No proceedings shall subsequently be instituted under subsection (1) of section

833C on the same facts or substantially the same facts as constitute such dispute. 833G. Where proceedings have been, or are filed, in a court of competent jurisdiction, or any competent tribunal involving the same dispute which is the subject-matter of proceedings

under this Chapter, all proceedings instituted under this Chapter shall then be terminated and no further action taken. 833H.

(1): Where the dispute relates to the possession of any land or part thereof it shall be the duty of the Judge of the Small Claims Court holding inquiry to determine on the basis of the statement filed, and affidavits and documents furnished as to which of the parties was in possession of the land or the part thereof on the date of the filing of the statement under section 833C, and make order as to who is entitled to possession of such land or part thereof.
(2): Where at an inquiry into a dispute relating to the right to the possession of

Determination and

833J.

order of Judge when dispute is in regard to any other right.

any land or any part of a land, the Judge of the Small Claims Court is satisfied on the basis of the statement filed and affidavits and documents furnished that any person who has been in possession of the land or part thereof has been forcibly dispossessed within a period of two months immediately before the date on which the statement of affidavit was filed under section 833C, he may make a determination to that effect and make an order directing that the party dispossessed be restored to possession, and prohibiting all disturbance of such possession otherwise than under the authority of an order or decree of a competent court or tribunal.

(3): An order under subsection (1) or (2) shall declare any one or more persons therein specified to be entitled to the possession of the land or the part thereof, in the manner specified in such order until such person or persons are evicted therefrom under an order or decree of a competent court of civil jurisdiction, or an order of a competent tribunal, and prohibit all disturbance of such possession otherwise than under the authority of such an order or decree.
(4): An order under subsection (1) may contain in addition to the declaration and prohibition referred to in subsection (3), a direction that any party specified in the order, shall be restored to possession of the land or any part thereof, specified in such order.
(6): Where the court makes an order placing an independent receiver in possession of the land or part thereof, such receiver shall remain in possession until a competent court or tribunal makes an order in regard to possession.
(7): Where the court makes an order under paragraph (ii) of subsection (5) placing an independent receiver in possession of such land, or part thereof, it may impose such conditions, as it may deem fit, on such receiver to ensure the proper management and preservation of the land or part thereof and for the accounting of the income thereof.
(1): Where the dispute relates to any right to any land or any part of a land, other than the right to possession of such land or part thereof, the Judge of the Small Claims Court shall determine on the basis of the statement filed or affidavit or document furnished which party is entitled to the right, which is the subject of the dispute, and make an order under subsection (2).
(2): An order under this subsection may declare that any person specified therein shall be entitled to any such right, in or respecting the land, or in any part of the land as may be specified in the order, until such person is deprived of such right by virtue of an order or decree of a competent court or tribunal and prohibit all disturbance of, or interference with the exercise of such right by such party other than under the authority of an order or decree as aforesaid.

Security for

833K. An order made under this Chapter may also contain such other directions as the

possession or

Judge of the Small Claims Court thinks fit with regard to the furnishing of security for the

exercise of any

exercise of the right of possession of the land or part thereof for the exercise of any right in

right may be

such land or with regard to the sale of any crop or produce, or the manner of exercise of any

ordered.

right in such land or the custody or disposal of the proceeds of the sale of any crop or

Order where no party appears.

Material on which Judge may act.

Penalty for contravention of, or failure to comply with order.

Order not to affect right or interest which may be established in competent court or tribunal.

Meaning of "dispute affecting land".

Fiscal to execute orders of court.

Privilege from arrest of Judges, parties registered attorneys and counsel.

When may civil court send cases for investigation to Magistrate.

produce. 833L. Where the parties to the dispute do not appear before court or having appeared or been produced, do not file any affidavit whether with or without documents annexed, the court shall

(a): in a case where the dispute is in regard to possession, make order permitting the party in possession to continue in possession; and
(b): in a case where the dispute is in regard to any other right, make order permitting the status quo in regard to such right, to continue.

833M. In making a determination and order under this Chapter the Judge of the Small Claims Court shall only take into consideration the statement filed and the affidavits and documents furnished by the parties. No party shall be permitted to lead oral evidence at any

hearing or inquiry under this Chapter. 833N. Any person who acts in contravention of or fails to comply with, an order made under this Chapter shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction by the Judge of the

Small Claims Court be liable to imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding one thousand rupees or to both such imprisonment and fine.

833P.

(1): An order under this Chapter shall not affect or prejudice any right or interest in any land or part of a land which any person may be able to establish before competent court or tribunal and it shall be the duty of the Judge of the Small Claims Court, who commences to hold an inquiry under this Chapter, to explain the effect of these sections to the persons concerned in the dispute and after making an order under this Chapter to cause a notice explaining the effect of these sections, to be affixed on the land which is the subject of the dispute, and in any other appropriate public place.
(2): An appeal shall not lie against any determination or order made under this Chapter.

833Q. In this Chapter "dispute affecting land" includes any dispute as to the right to the possession of any land or part thereof and the buildings thereon or the boundaries thereof, as to the right to cultivate any land or part of a land, or as to the right to the crops or produce of any land, or part of a land, or as to any right in the nature of a servitude affecting the land and any reference to "land" in this Chapter includes a reference to any building standing

thereon. 833R. The Fiscal shall, where necessary, execute all orders made under the provisions of this Chapter.

PART X

CHAPTER LXVII MISCELLANEOUS

834. No Judge, Magistrate, or other judicial officer shall be liable to arrest under civil process while going to, presiding in, or returning from his court. And where any matter is pending before a court having jurisdiction therein, or believing in good faith that it has such jurisdiction, the parties thereto and their registered attorneys and counsel shall be exempt

from arrest under civil process while going to or attending such court for the purpose of such matter, and while returning from such court.

835.

(1) When in a case pending before any court there appears to the court sufficient ground for sending for investigation to a Magistrate a charge of any such offence as is described in sections 190, 193, 196, 197, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 452, 459, 462, 463, 464, or 466 of the Penal Code, which may be made in the course of any other action or proceeding or with respect to any document offered in evidence in the case, the court may cause the person accused to be detained till the rising of the court, and may then or sooner Warrant of arrest may be cancelled on ground of illness of party. Judgment debtor under arrest may be released on illness.

Released judgment debtor may be rearrested. Inherent powers of court saved.

Regulations. [13,14 of 1997]

See Schedules , send him in custody to the Magistrate or take sufficient bail for his appearance before the Magistrate. The court shall send to the Magistrate the evidence and documents relevant to the charge, and may bind over any person to appear and give evidence before such Magistrate.

(2) The Magistrate shall receive such charge and proceed with it according to law.

836. At any time after a warrant of arrest has been issued under this Ordinance the court

may cancel it on the ground of the serious illness of the person against whom the warrant was issued.

837.

(1): When a judgment-debtor has been arrested under this Ordinance, the court may release him, it in its opinion he is not in a fit state of health to undergo ground of imprisonment

A judgment-debtor released under the last preceding section may be re-arrested, but the period of his imprisonment shall not in the aggregate exceed six months.
Nothing in this Ordinance shall be deemed to limit or otherwise affect the inherent power of the court to make such orders as may be necessary for the ends of justice or to

prevent abuse of the process of the court. 994-7-1997

840.

(1): The Minister may make regulations for, and in respect of all or any of the matters, for which regulations are required or authorized to be made by this Ordinance, or which are required by this Ordinance to be prescribed.
(2): Every regulation made by the Minister shall be published in the Gazette and shall come into operation on the date of such publication or on such later date as may be specified in the regulation.
(3): Every regulation shall, as soon as convenient after publication in the Gazette, be brought before Parliament for approval. Any regulation which is not so approved shall be deemed to be rescinded as from the date of its disapproval, but without prejudice to anything previously done thereunder.
(4): Notification of the date on which any regulation made by the Minister is so deemed to be rescinded, shall be published in the Gazette.

Schedules

2 of 1990 6 of 1990 14 of 1993

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Code de procédure civile, Sri Lanka

Documents disponibles

CIVIL PROCEDURE CODE

315A.

440A.

554A.

554G.

554H.

554J.

580A.

724A.

724B.

833C.

833J.

833P.