—Pleadings in Mandamus

The defendant may file any proper motion directed to the allegations of the complaint, or, desiring to attack their legal sufficiency in law, a motion to strike, or a return in the form of an answer, and further pleadings shall continue as in civil actions until issues are joined, provided that, where an application for an order is made in a pending action, the extent to which and the time in which the respondent may plead shall be as directed by the judicial authority. (P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 545.)