—Numerous Defendants

In any action in which there is an unusually large number of defendants, the judicial author- ity, upon motion or of its own initiative, may order that service of the pleadings of the defendants and replies thereto need not be made as between the defendants and that any cross complaint, counterclaim, or matter constituting an avoidance or affirmative defense contained therein shall be deemed to be denied or avoided by all other defendants and that the filing of any such pleading and service thereof upon the plaintiff shall be deemed to constitute due notice of it to the parties. A copy of every such order shall be served upon the parties in such manner and form as the judicial authority directs. (P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 124.)