(2) The plaintiff may move to strike the return or any allegation or defense in the return. The defendant may move to strike the replication or any new matter in the replication, or by proof controvert the same, as upon a direct denial or avoidance.
(3) The return and replication shall be made within such time as the court or judge shall direct, and the petition, return and replication shall be construed and have the same effect as in an action. [Amended by 1979 c.284 §74; 1991 c.884 §8]