Procedural Amendments to Civil Procedure reinforce expedited summons, alternative dispute resolution and affidavit-based witness examination.

The Supreme Court upheld the 1999 and 2002 amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure as procedural reforms to expedite litigation. Key clarifications include issuance of summons within thirty days under Section 27 provided plaintiffs have completed enabling steps; promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution under Section 89 with suggested rules and case management; Order 7 Rule 11 permitting rejection of plaints for specified noncompliance but allowing rectification; and Order 18 Rule 4 requiring examination-in-chief by affidavit subject to court discretion and permitting mechanical recording of evidence.

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