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Interpretation of O. 14, R. 2 of the Civil Procedure Code regarding the obligation of the Court to decide issues relating to jurisdiction or legal bar as preliminary issues. Analysis: The judgment in question revolves around the interpretation of O. 14, R. 2 of the Civil Procedure Code concerning whether a court is obligated to decide issues related to jurisdiction or legal bars as preliminary issues. The primary contention was whether the court is required to decide such issues before settling other matters or the trial of the entire case. The argument stemmed from an amendment to the terminology of the rule, with one party asserting that the court must hear and decide these issues despite the seemingly discretionary language of the rule. Before the 1976 amendment, the court was obligated to decide certain issues of law only if they could dispose of the case or a part thereof. The court had the discretion to decide mixed questions of fact and law if it believed doing so would dispose of the case, aiming to avoid piecemeal trials and unnecessary prolongation of proceedings. However, the amendment in 1976 brought a significant change, shifting the obligation from deciding preliminary issues to pronouncing judgment on all issues, eliminating the court's discretion to decide any issue as a preliminary matter. The amendment introduced an obligation for the court to pronounce judgment on all issues, removing the discretion to decide preliminary issues unless they relate to the jurisdiction of the court or a legal bar to the suit. While the court may try such issues as preliminary matters, it is more of a discretionary power rather than a duty. The amendment aimed to streamline proceedings and prevent unnecessary delays caused by deciding issues prematurely, emphasizing the importance of hearing all issues before pronouncing judgment. In conclusion, the court held that there is no longer a duty or obligation for the court to try issues related to jurisdiction or legal bars as preliminary issues, except for a discretionary power to do so. The legislative intent behind the amendment was to prevent unnecessary delays and streamline legal proceedings. The court dismissed the petition, emphasizing the importance of interpreting the law in a manner that aligns with the legislative purpose and intent. The judgment clarifies the court's role in deciding issues related to jurisdiction or legal bars, highlighting the shift in approach brought about by the 1976 amendment to O. 14, R. 2 of the Civil Procedure Code.
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