Rule 18 of CPC : Rule 18: Order for inspection.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Scenario: Property Dispute

Ravi and Suresh are involved in a property dispute. Ravi claims that Suresh has forged documents to claim ownership of a piece of land. Ravi's lawyer sends a notice under Rule 15 to Suresh, asking to inspect the original property documents. Suresh does not respond to the notice and does not provide a time for inspection.

Application of Rule 18: Ravi's lawyer files an application in the court under Rule 18, requesting an order for inspection of the property documents. The court, after considering the application, orders that the inspection of the documents should take place at the court premises to ensure fairness and transparency. The court also ensures that the inspection is necessary for the fair disposal of the suit and to save costs.

Example 2:

Scenario: Business Contract Dispute

Meera and Anil are business partners who have a dispute over the terms of a business contract. Meera believes that Anil is hiding certain documents that are crucial to the case. Meera's lawyer sends a notice under Rule 15 to Anil, asking to inspect the financial records and emails related to the contract. Anil objects to the inspection and offers to show the documents at his home instead of his lawyer's office.

Application of Rule 18: Meera's lawyer files an application in the court under Rule 18, requesting an order for inspection of the financial records and emails at a neutral location. The court reviews the application and decides that the inspection should take place at the office of Anil's pleader to ensure that the documents are properly examined. The court also verifies that the inspection is necessary for the fair resolution of the dispute and to minimize costs.

Example 3:

Scenario: Employment Dispute

Priya is suing her former employer, a large corporation, for wrongful termination. She believes that the company has internal emails and performance reviews that will support her case. Priya's lawyer sends a notice under Rule 15 to the company's legal team, asking to inspect these documents. The company does not respond to the notice and does not provide a time for inspection.

Application of Rule 18: Priya's lawyer files an application in the court under Rule 18, requesting an order for inspection of the internal emails and performance reviews. The court, after considering the necessity of these documents for the fair disposal of the suit, orders that the inspection should take place at the office of the company's pleader. The court ensures that the inspection is necessary for the fair resolution of the case and to save costs.

Example 4:

Scenario: Family Inheritance Dispute

Amit and his siblings are in a dispute over their late father's will. Amit believes that his brother, Raj, is hiding a newer version of the will that favors him. Amit's lawyer sends a notice under Rule 15 to Raj, asking to inspect all versions of the will and related documents. Raj objects to the inspection and offers to show the documents at his home.

Application of Rule 18: Amit's lawyer files an application in the court under Rule 18, requesting an order for inspection of all versions of the will and related documents. The court reviews the application and decides that the inspection should take place at the office of Raj's pleader to ensure that the documents are properly examined. The court also verifies that the inspection is necessary for the fair resolution of the inheritance dispute and to minimize costs.