244Plea of title unnecessary

### 244 Plea of title unnecessary > > (1)  A defendant in an action for the recovery of land who is in possession of the land personally or by tenant is not required to plead title unless – > > > > > > (a) the defence depends on an equitable estate or right; or > > > > > > > (b) the defendant claims relief on any equitable ground against any right or title asserted by the plaintiff. > > > (2)  It is a defence for the defendant to state that he or she is in possession of the land. > > > (3)  A statement that the defendant is in possession of the land is a denial of the allegation of fact contained in the statement of claim. > > > (4)  A defendant in an action for the recovery of land who is in possession personally or by tenant may rely on any ground of defence.