What is the consequence if a party fails to disclose a document without permission?

• A. The document may still be used as evidence.
• B. The party may not rely on the document as evidence.
• C. The document becomes privileged.
• D. It automatically leads to an adjournment.

Answer: (B)

In civil procedure, there is a duty to disclose documents that could be relevant to the case. If a party fails to disclose a document without permission, the consequence is that they may not rely on that document as evidence. This rule helps keep the trial fair by preventing surprise and ensuring both sides have access to the same material.

Privilege is a separate matter and isn’t created by failing to disclose. An automatic adjournment isn’t the standard or guaranteed result either; courts may impose other sanctions, but the direct consequence regarding the document’s use is that it cannot be relied on as evidence unless the court permits.