Under what condition can a non-admission be pleaded?

A non-admission can be pleaded when the party has made reasonable inquiries and is uncertain of the truth. This condition is essential as it acknowledges the party's diligence in trying to ascertain the facts before making a statement. In legal proceedings, parties are often encouraged to investigate claims thoroughly, and if they are unsure about the truthfulness of the allegations despite reasonable efforts, they have the right to plead a non-admission.

By allowing for a non-admission in this context, the legal system respects the due process, preventing parties from having to admit or deny allegations they cannot confidently assess. This reflects the principle of fairness in litigation, as it acknowledges that not all facts may be readily accessible or clear cut.

Other conditions mentioned, such as simply asserting a non-admission as a default position or believing the allegation is false without any basis for that belief, do not support the rigorous standard of needing reasonable inquiries. Similarly, the absence of evidence to challenge an allegation doesn't inherently justify a non-admission; rather, it could imply an obligation to deny if there is doubt stemming from fact-finding.