Montana Title 85. Water Use § 85-7-1806. Court hearing on petition to eliminate lands

(1) At the time specified in the notice, the district court in which the petition is filed shall hear the petition but may adjourn such meeting from time to time, not exceeding 2 weeks in all, and may continue the hearing for the want of sufficient notice or other good cause. The court upon application of the petitioners shall permit the petition to be amended and may order further or additional notice to be given. Upon such hearing, all persons interested whose lands or rights may be damaged or benefited by the granting of the petition or the exclusion of the lands from the district may appear and contest the necessity or justice of the court's making an order granting such petition in whole or in part, and the contestants and petitioners may offer any competent evidence in regard thereto.

(2) It shall be the duty of the court to hear and determine whether the requirements as herein set forth have been complied with, and for that purpose shall hear all competent and relevant testimony that may be offered.