RS 452 - Laches by defendant forfeits defenses; judgment
If a defendant fails to file his answer timely, the department shall thereafter give affirmative notice, by certified mail, to such defendant of the pendency of the proceedings. If an answer is not filed within ten days after the date on which such notice is mailed, the court shall render final judgment fixing just compensation in the amount deposited into the registry of court and awarding that sum to the defendant.
Added by Acts 1954, No. 107, §1, eff. June 24, 1954. Amended by Acts 1968, No. 117, §1; Acts 1974, Ex.Sess., No. 30, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1975; Acts 1976, No. 391, §1, eff. Oct. 1, 1976.