124 N.Y.S. 328 | N.Y. App. Div. | 1910
It is assumed that relator’s application to the Special Term for an order striking out certain parts of the return was based upon a claim that the return was defective. Section 2135 of the Code of Civil Procedure provides that, if the return to the writ is defective, the court may direct a further return. The order instead of directing a further return, which shall omit the parts thereof to which objection was made, explicitly directs that certain parts of the return be stricken therefrom. It may be that the court at Special Term has the power to require a further return which shall omit therefrom matter which is clearly irrelevant, and which has no place in the return. (People ex rel. Joline v. Willcox, 134 App. Div. 563.) But the fact still remains that the court cannot, either directly or indirectly, make return to the writ for the person or body whose action is under review. Excision of the parts of the return directed by the order leaves parts of what remains imperfect and meaningless. Respondents made but one return to the writ. They have not made nor adopted the emasculated return remaining after giving effect to the order. The order should be reversed.
All concurred.
Order reversed and designation annulled, without costs.