20 deal with discovery, production and inspection of
documents - in other words, discovery of documents.
Rule 21 lays down the consequences of non-compliance
with the order of discovery. Rule 22 allows answers
in interrogatories to be used in evidence by parties.
Rule 23 deals with application of this Order to minor
plaintiffs and the defendants and persons under
disability. Thus, what is required to be noted is
that the discovery of facts and discovery of
documents narrow down the controversy, avoid
unnecessary expenses and shorten litigation. In the
instant case, there is no explanation by the
respondent as to why the exercise of delivery of
interrogatories in writing was not carried out by him
before the issues were framed and in any event before
the suit became part heard. There is no explanation
as to why inspection of the documents was not sought
for by the respondent under Order 11 Rule 18(2) of
CPC. The documents, the production of which are
sought during the midst of cross-examination of the
petitioner, are ordinarily available with all
landlords and it cannot be said that it was only
during the course of cross-examination, that it was
discovered that the documents were in the possession
