#CPC Order 9 Rule 7

The Punjab & Haryana High Court ruled that a defendant’s defence cannot be struck off under CPC Order 9 Rule 7 merely due to procedural irregularities by the court, unless the defendant is at fault. The court restored the defence upon payment of Rs. 20,000 costs, emphasizing that denial of a fair hearing violates principles of natural justice.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that minor typographical corrections in applications under Order 9 Rule 7 CPC can be allowed even after arguments, provided no prejudice is caused to the opposing party. This decision reinforces the principle that procedural technicalities should not override substantive justice, offering relief to litigants seeking to rectify clerical errors in pending matters.