The plaintiff may reply or otherwise plead to the answer, within 5 days after the last day allowed for the filing of the answer, unless the time for doing so is extended and further pleadings may be had as in other civil cases.
14-104.Reply by plaintiff.
Article XIV. Mandamus · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceGives a mandamus plaintiff 5 days after the defendant's answer deadline to reply or otherwise plead, with further pleadings proceeding as in ordinary civil cases.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/14-104
Plain-English Summary
After a defendant answers a mandamus complaint, the case doesn't stop moving. This section gives the plaintiff 5 days after the last day allowed for the answer to file a reply or other responsive pleading, unless the court extends that window.
Beyond the reply, the section folds mandamus back into ordinary civil practice: further pleadings may proceed as in other civil cases. So while the opening stages of a mandamus action move on a compressed, mandamus-specific timetable, the litigation eventually settles into the familiar rhythm of Illinois civil pleading.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a mandamus plaintiff have to reply to the defendant's answer?
5 days after the last day allowed for filing the answer, unless the court extends that time.
Can the court extend a mandamus plaintiff's time to reply?
Yes. Section 14-104 allows the time for filing a reply to be extended.
What governs pleadings in a mandamus case after the reply?
Further pleadings proceed as in other civil cases, so ordinary Illinois civil practice rules take over from that point.
Is a reply required in every mandamus case?
The section says the plaintiff "may" reply or otherwise plead, which allows for a reply but doesn't mandate one in every case.
Does this section apply only to mandamus cases?
It governs pleading practice specifically in proceedings brought under Article XIV, the mandamus article.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 82-280.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: mandamus reply deadline illinoismandamus pleading schedule illinoisillinois mandamus procedure