M.M. Kumar, President - (1.) Learned counsel for the respondent states that talks for amicable settlement are in progress. However, learned counsel for the applicant has shown ignorance about any talks. In order to facilitate any settlement, we defer the hearing to 23.01.2018. It is made clear that filing of the reply shall not be a bar on the pretext of settlement. List for further consideration on 23.01.2018.;