Under Order VI Rule 17 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the court can allow alteration or amendment of…

Order VI, Rule 17 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 provides that "The Court may at any stage of the proceedings allow either party to alter or amend his pleadings in such manner and on such terms as may be just", where the amendment is necessary to determine the real questions in controversy.

The power is not limited to the plaintiff or the defendant. Since 2002 the proviso bars amendment after the trial has commenced unless the party could not, despite due diligence, have raised the matter earlier.