Order XXIX CPC Rules 1 to 3: Suits By or Against Corporations

Order XXIX of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 contains special procedural rules for civil suits by or against corporations. Rules 1 to 3 deal with signing and verification of pleadings, service of summons on a corporation, and the Court's power to require the personal attendance of a corporate officer.

Current-law note: The central text of Order XXIX contains Rules 1, 2 and 3. State amendments may modify the procedure in particular jurisdictions. For example, Uttar Pradesh has an additional service provision under Rule 2. The applicable State and High Court amendments should therefore be checked where relevant.
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Rule 1 Order XXIX - Subscription and verification of pleading

In suits by or against a corporation, any pleading may be signed and verified on behalf of the corporation by the secretary or by any director or other principal officer of the corporation who is able to depose to the facts of the case.

Rule 2 Order XXIX - Service on corporation

Subject to any statutory provision regulating service of process, where the suit is against a corporation, the summons may be served:

(a) on the secretary, or on any director, or other principal officer of the corporation; or

(b) by leaving it or sending it by post addressed to the corporation at the registered office, or if there is no registered office then at the place where the corporation carries on business.

Rule 3 Order XXIX - Power to require personal attendance of officer of corporation

The Court may, at any stage of the suit, require the personal appearance of the secretary or of any director, or other principal officer of the corporation who may be able to answer material questions relating to the suit.

Key points under Order XXIX CPC

Rule 1 allows a corporation's pleading to be signed and verified through specified officers who can depose to the facts of the case. Rule 2 provides modes for service of summons on a corporation, subject to any other statutory provision regulating service. Rule 3 enables the Court to call a suitable corporate officer to answer material questions relating to the suit.

Official source: The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 - India Code. For court use, verify the latest central text together with any applicable State amendment, High Court amendment or other statutory rule governing service.

This page reproduces and explains the central statutory provisions for general legal information. Jurisdiction-specific amendments and current procedural rules should be checked before relying on the provision in a particular proceeding.