Section 200.180  Answers

a)         Whenever the Hearing Examiner issues a ruling that a complaint provides a clear statement on the subject matter, scope of complaint, and basis thereof, answers to formal complaints shall be filed with the Commission within 21 days after the date on which the Commission serves notice of the Hearing Examiner's ruling upon the respondent, unless otherwise ordered.  If any respondent fails to file an answer, when required under this Section, allegations of fact as to the respondent will be considered admitted.  If respondent does not file an answer when no filing requirement exists, issue as to the respondent will be considered joined.  Answers shall contain an explicit admission or denial of each allegation of the pleading to which they relate and a concise statement of the nature of any defense.

b)         Answers to formal applications and petitions shall be filed with the Commission within 21 days after the date on which the applications or petitions are served upon the respondent, unless otherwise ordered.  If any respondent fails to file an answer, issues as to the respondent will be considered joined.  Answers shall contain an explicit admission or denial of each allegation of the pleading to which they relate and a concise statement of the nature of the defense.

c)         The original of an answer to a verified pleading shall be verified.

d)         Answers to petitions for intervention and to amended or supplemental pleadings need not be made unless the party so elects; and, in case answers are not made, the issue will be considered joined.  Such answers, if made, shall conform to the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of this Section, however, such answers shall be filed within 14 days, unless otherwise prescribed by the Hearing Examiner.

(Source:  Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 16019, effective October 15, 2000)