26Reply to application or appeal

26 Reply to application or appeal

26 Reply to application or appeal

(1) This rule applies to the following (a relevant application or appeal)—

(a) a general application,

(b) an administrative review application,

(c) an external appeal,

(d) an internal appeal.

(2) Subject to subrule (4), a respondent to a relevant application or appeal may lodge a reply to the application or appeal with the Tribunal setting out the respondent’s response to the application or appeal.

(3) A reply must be—

(a) in or to the effect of the approved form, and

(b) duly completed, and

(c) lodged at the Registry, and

(d) accompanied by the applicable fee (if any) for the notice.

(4) The Tribunal may direct a respondent to lodge a reply to a relevant application or appeal in such manner and within such period as it may direct.

(5) Unless the Tribunal grants an extension under section 41 of the Act, a reply must be lodged—

(a) in the case where the Tribunal has given a direction under subrule (4) as to the period within which the reply must be lodged—within the period directed, or

(b) in any other case—within 14 days from the day on which the respondent was notified of the relevant application or appeal.

(6) A respondent who lodges a reply must serve on the applicant or appellant a copy of the reply before, at the same time as or as soon as practicable after lodging the reply.