(1) The board of directors of any irrigation district organized under this article at any time may file a petition in the district court of the county wherein is situated the office of such district praying for a judicial examination and determination of the question of the validity of the organization of the district, or of any bonds issued, whether sold or not, or of any assessment levied, or of any order, act, proceeding, or contract of said district. Such petition shall set forth the facts whereon the validity of such organization or of such bonds, assessment, order, act, proceeding, or contract is founded and shall be verified by a member of the board.
Thereupon a notice in the nature of a summons shall issue under the hand and seal ofthe clerk of said court, directed to all landowners, creditors, or other persons interested in said district, naming it, which designation shall be deemed sufficient to give the court jurisdiction of all matters and parties involved and interested. Service shall be obtained by publication of such notice as in the case of publication of summons in an action to quiet title to real property. Any landowner, creditor, or other interested person may move to dismiss or answer said petition within the time allowed therefor. All persons filing motions to dismiss or answers shall be entered as defendants in said cause and their several defenses consolidated for hearing or trial.
Upon hearing, the court shall examine into all matters and things affecting the validity of the matter in controversy, shall make a finding with reference thereto, and shall enter judgment and decree as the case warrants. In reaching its conclusions in such causes, the court shall follow a liberal interpretation of the law and shall disregard informalities or omissions not affecting the substantial rights of the parties, unless it is affirmatively shown that such informalities or omissions led to a different result than would have been otherwise obtained. The Colorado rules of civil procedure shall govern matters of pleading and practice as nearly as may be. Costs may be assessed or apportioned among contesting parties in the discretion of the trial court. Review of judgments of the district court by an appellate court may be had as in other civil causes.
Source: L. 21: p. 553, § 38. C.L. § 2094. CSA: C. 90, § 469. CRS 53: § 149-2-38. C.R.S. 1963: § 150-2-38.