“Litigants ‘Love to Seek Time’: Allahabad HC Slams Adjournment Culture, Says Public’s Role in Court Delays ‘A Menace Neither Spoken Of Nor Condemned’”
Isabella Mariam
In a recent order, the Allahabad High Court, Single Bench of Justice J.J. Munir refused to grant additional time to a government officer for filing a compliance report. The Tehsildar of Tehsil Budhanpur, Azamgarh had sought fifteen days to submit a report pursuant to the Court's prior direction dated 10 April 2025. The Court not only declined this request but issued a strong observation on the pervasive tendency of litigants to seek adjournments, despite widespread complaints about judicial delays.
"It is surprising that despite such widespread protest against delays in Courts, citizens of the country, in whatever position they are, when they appear in Court as litigants, love to seek time and enjoy adjournments that suits their cause. The contribution of the litigating public to delays in Court, which, in fact, is a menace, is neither spoken of nor condemned. In any case, this tendency has to be discouraged firmly," the Court observed.
This proceeding arose in Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No. 740 of 2025, filed by Shailendra Prajapati against the State of Uttar Pradesh and seven other respondents. The PIL pertains to issues involving administrative obligations and the enforcement of directions issued by the High Court.
The petitioner was represented by Advocates Dinesh Kumar Yadav and Rahul Kumar Pal. The respondents were represented by Chief Standing Counsel along with Advocate Rameshwar Prasad Shukla.
In the earlier order dated 10 April 2025, the Allahabad High Court had issued specific instructions to the Tehsildar, Budhanpur, Azamgarh, requiring submission of a report within a stipulated time frame. In response, written instructions were furnished by the Tehsildar to the Chief Standing Counsel requesting a fifteen-day extension to file the required report.
This request was relayed to the Court during the hearing. However, the Bench unequivocally refused the extension and instead directed strict compliance.
Justice Munir strongly recorded the systemic issue of delay, placing part of the responsibility on litigants themselves. The Court observed, "The contribution of the litigating public to delays in Court, which, in fact, is a menace, is neither spoken of nor condemned." It went further to assert that such practices must be disincentivized: "In any case, this tendency has to be discouraged firmly."
The Court thus took a firm stance, reflecting judicial concern over adjournment practices that hinder efficient disposal of cases. It rejected the Tehsildar’s request and mandated compliance within a narrow time frame.
The Court issued the following directions:
- "The prayer made by the Tehsildar, Tehsil Budhanpur, Azamgarh is rejected. He shall, therefore, file his own affidavit within three days next or appear in person on 30.04.2025."
- "Let this order be communicated to the Tehsildar, Tehsil Budhanpur, Azamgarh through the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Azamgarh by the Registrar (Compliance) within 24 hours."
- "Lay as fresh again on 30.04.2025."
Advocates Representing the Parties:
For the Petitioner: Dinesh Kumar Yadav, Rahul Kumar Pal
For the Respondents: Chief Standing Counsel, Rameshwar Prasad Shukla
Case Title: Shailendra Prajapati v. State of U.P. and 7 Others
Case Number: Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No. 740 of 2025
Bench: Justice J.J. Munir
[Read/Download order]
