The Lalit Effect

Source– The post is based on the article “The Lalit Effect” published in The Times of India on 28th September 2022.

Syllabus: GS2- Indian Judiciary

Relevance– Challenges before judicial system

News– The article explains the issues of frequent adjournment pleas and frivolous PILs in higher courts of the country.

Chief Justice UU Lalit has increased the matters listed daily. It has led to an increase of adjournment pleas by lawyers.

What are the rules related to adjournment pleas by courts?

Civil cases– Civil Procedure Code stipulates a maximum of three adjournments while hearing a case.

Criminal cases– Criminal Procedure Code instructs judicial officers to hear trials and inquiries on a day-to-day basis. It stipulates that a lawyer engaged in another court cannot be a ground for adjournment.

What are the issues faced by the judicial system?

Adjournment pleas–  Adjournments are taken for reasons like lawyers being busy in other courts. It leads to judicial delays.

In 2017, a government panel on speeding up commercial disputes found the three-adjournment rule violated in 50% of civil cases.

Frivolous PILs– These are diversionary for constitutional courts.

Recently, Bombay HC dismissed a PIL seeking a ban on advertisements of non-vegetarian foods. The court asked the petitioners why they wish to encroach on others rights.