(1) Where the pleader of any party who appears by a pleader or any such person accompanying a pleader as is referred to in rule 2, refuses or is unable to answer any material question relating to the suit which the Court is of opinion that the party whom he represents ought to answer, and is likely to be able to answer if interrogated in person, the Court may postpone the hearing of the suit to a day not later than seven days from the date of first hearing and direct that such party shall appear in person on such day.
(2) If such party fails without lawful excuse to appear in person on the day so appointed, the Court may pronounce judgment against him, or make such order in relation to the suit as it thinks fit.
Order X Rule 1 CPC Ascertainment whether allegations in pleadings are admitted or denied
Order X Rule 1A CPC Direction of the court to opt for any one mode of alternative dispute resolution
Order X Rule 1B CPC Appearance before the conciliatory forum or authority
Order X Rule 1C CPC Appearance before the court consequent to the failure of efforts of conciliation
Order X Rule 2 CPC Oral examination of party, or companion of party
Order X Rule 3 CPC Substance of examination to be written
Order X Rule 4 CPC Consequence of refusal or inability of pleader to answer