It was decided last week that all new cases filed in the various branches of the High Court will come up for hearing before a concerned Bench only after replies and counter-replies have been filed by the two parties. Now, cases will first come up before the Registrar Judicial (S) who will, in turn, give short dates to the opposite parties to file replies. The case will come up for argument before a court only after the two parties have filed their replies and counter-replies.

At present, cases continue to be delayed without any arguments as the two parties seek adjournments to file replies. Cases are adjourned as a result for months only for issuance of summons to the opposite parties and filing of replies.

In the new system, a separate list under ‘completion cases’ is being prepared. The two parties involved do not appear before the courts, but before the Registrar Judicial to file their replies, objections and counter-replies. The practice not only saves the time of the court but also of the litigant as the case is likely to be disposed speedily. While cases are adjourned in courts for two to three months, a Registrar Judicial gives only 15-20 days to either parties to file replies. In case a party attempts to prolong the case by not filing a reply, the Registrar Judicial will bring it to the notice of the concerned court which can impose penalty on the offending party.

“The entire credit goes to the Chief Justice for introducing this system. This is another step taken by him to ensure that pending cases are disposed speedily. Besides, the system will also save precious time of courts and advocates,” said Rupinder S Khosla, president of the High Court Bar Association.

The difference
Earlier:Cases adjourned for two to three months to file replies and counter-replies due to heavy workload of courts.