Amendment of pleadings so as to decide the real question in controversy between the parties may be allowed by the court at any stage under:

Explanation: Order VI, Rule 17 of the CPC permits the court to allow amendment of pleadings 'at any stage of the proceedings' where that is necessary for determining the real question in controversy, subject to certain principles - no prejudice, no time-barred claim introduced, and the amendment should not alter the nature of the suit. Rule 17 was inserted/amended to restrict dilatory amendments after trial has begun. Order VIII Rule 1 governs written statements, Order IX Rule 13 setting aside ex parte decrees, and Order XXVI appointing commissions.