preliminary hearing stage

14. What is preliminary hearing stage? The phase of the hearing from the first appearance of the parties before the IO till the stage of recording of evidence is known as preliminary hearing.

18. What are the functions of the IO during the Preliminary Hearing stage? During Preliminary Hearing, IO is required to perform the following actions: (a) Making arrangements for conducting the hearing (b) Setting the stage for smooth conduct of hearing (c) Asking the statutory questions (d) Finalisation of the question of Defence Assistant (e) Fixing dates for Inspection of the originals of the documents (f) Fixing dates for the submission of the list of additional documents and witnesses required by the CO for the purpose of his defence (g) Finalisation of the documents and witnesses admissible for defence (h) Taking action for procuring the additional documents required for the defence. (i) Settling the issue of disputed documents (j) Taking the documents on record (k) Issue of certificates of attendance to the parties. This will be done during regular hearing stage also. (l) Deciding on the requests for adjournment