### 257 Default in delivering reply or subsequent pleading > > (1) Subject to [rule 228(2)](#GS228@Gs2@EN) , if a party does not deliver a reply or subsequent pleading within the period limited – > > > > > > (a) the pleadings are closed; and > > > > > > > (b) any material statement of fact in the pleading last delivered is taken to be denied. > > > (2) [Subrule (1)](#GS257@Gs1@EN) does not apply to a defence to a counterclaim. > > > (3) [*\[Rule 257 Subrule (3) amended by S.R. 2006, No. 25, Applied:01 May 2006\]*](/view/html/inforce/2006-05-01/sr-2006-025#GS5@EN) If a plaintiff fails to deliver a reply in answer to a counterclaim within 21 days, or any other period the Court or a judge orders, after the delivery of the counterclaim, any statement of fact contained in the counterclaim is taken to be admitted.

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