In a recent development, the Supreme Court has raised its voice against the Gujarat High Court’s prolonged reservation of judgment, followed by its eventual release due to the lack of a timely pronouncement. The court’s criticism stemmed from concerns about the potential repercussions of such practices on judicial efficacy and the delivery of speedy justice.
Expressing its dismay, the Supreme Court emphasized that the release of a case after a significant period of deliberation not only results in undue delay but also imposes additional financial burdens on the involved parties. Chief Justice Of India, DY Chandrachud, along with Justices Manoj Misra and J B Pardiwala, underscored the adverse impact of this delay, noting that it necessitates the parties to engage legal counsel anew, incurring further legal expenses.
This particular case originated from a petition challenging an arbitration award, alongside another petition seeking its execution, both under the purview of the same judge. Despite the hearing and subsequent reservation of judgment, the release was deferred for ten months until February 08, 2024. The judge cited the lack of a reasonable time frame as the reason for this delay, prompting the Supreme Court’s intervention.
In response to these concerns, the Supreme Court directed the matter to be reconsidered by the same judge, emphasizing the importance of expeditious disposal. While acknowledging the burden on the High Court, the Supreme Court urged for prompt action to mitigate further delays and ensure the delivery of justice without undue procrastination.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on the imperative of maintaining judicial efficiency and upholding the principles of timely justice delivery, a cornerstone of the Indian legal system.
