172 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CR-5650-2026 Date of Decision: July 27, 2026 Sonu Sood …Pe++oner Versus Manju Sood and another …Respondents CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE DEEPAK GUPTA Present:- Mr. Liaqat Ali, Advocate for the peoner. DEEPAK GUPTA , J.(Oral) Suit for declaraon was filed by respondent – Manju Sood against defendant No.1 (respondent No.2 herein) and defendant No.2 – Sonu Sood (peoner herein). The suit was filed on 04.04.2025 and the peoner through his counsel put in appearance on 23.04.2025. His defence has been struck off by way of the impugned order dated 07.04.2026 (Annexure P-6), which is now assailed before this Court. 2. It is submi6ed by learned counsel for the peoner that though the peoner had put in appearance through his counsel on 23.04.2025, but wri6en statement was not filed as per the advice of his counsel because the service of other defendant, i.e. defendant No.1 was sll incomplete. 3. Learned counsel for the peoner has drawn a6enon towards the various zimini orders passed by the trial Court, which would reveal that service of defendant No.1 has not been effected ll date. 4. Having noced all the aforesaid facts and circumstances, the present peon deserves to be allowed. The impugned order dated 07.04.2026 is hereby set aside. The trial Court is directed to grant one opportunity to the peoner to file wri6en statement on or before 17.08.2026, which is stated to be the next date of hearing before the trial SARITA RANI 2026.07.28 16:37 I attest to the accuracy of this document/order CR-5650-2026 - 2 - 2026:PHHC:103053 Court. However, this is subject to payment of cost of `5,000/- payable to the respondent-plainff by way of a demand dra:. Since this order has been passed without issuing noce to respondents, in order to avoid unnecessary delay, therefore, they will be at liberty to approach this Court, in case, they feel aggrieved by this order. July 27, 2026 (DEEPAK GUPTA) sarita JUDGE Whether reasoned/speaking: Yes/No Whether reportable: Yes/No SARITA RANI 2026.07.28 16:37 I attest to the accuracy of this document/order