Namrata Saini vs. Usha Devi @ Ram Devi

Court:Supreme Court of India
Judge:Registrar (J) - Ii
Case Status:Disposed
Order Date:7 Sept 2018
CNR:SCIN010069682018

AI Summary

In a crucial procedural directive, the Supreme Court Registrar has granted a final four-week window for certain respondents to file their counter-affidavits in a Special Leave Petition. The order underscores the court's intent to expedite the matter, directing that the case be listed before a regular bench regardless of compliance, signifying a push towards timely resolution.

Ratio Decidendi:
In a Special Leave Petition, where respondents have been granted adequate opportunities to file counter-affidavits, including a 'last and final opportunity,' the matter must be processed for listing before the appropriate bench after the stipulated period, irrespective of actual compliance, to ensure expeditious disposal and prevent procedural delays.

Case Identifiers

Primary Case No:11378/2018
Case Type:Special Leave Petition (Civil)
Case Sub-Type:Special Leave Petition (Civil)
Secondary Case Numbers:6968/2018, 006968
Order Date:2018-09-07
Filing Year:2018
Court:Supreme Court Of India
Bench:Registrar
Judges:Hon'ble Kapil Mehta

Petitioner's Counsel

Shakti Pandey
Advocate - Appeared
M. Y. Deshmukh
Advocate on Record - Appeared

Respondent's Counsel

Ashok Kumar Singh
Advocate on Record - Appeared

Advocates on Record

M. Y. Deshmukh
Ashok Kumar Singh

eCourtsIndia AITM

Brief Facts Summary

This order concerns a Special Leave Petition (Civil) filed by Namrata Saini against Usha Devi @ Ram Devi & Ors. During a Registrar's Court hearing on September 7, 2018, it was noted that respondents 1 to 5 had not yet submitted their counter affidavits, and they were consequently granted a final four-week period to do so. Additionally, the court observed that service was complete on respondents 6 and 7, but they had not made any appearance. To ensure progression, the Registry was directed to list the case before the Hon'ble Court once the four-week period for affidavit filing had elapsed, regardless of whether the affidavits were actually filed.

Timeline of Events

2016

Original case (CR-5240-2016) filed in the High Court.

2017-10-03

Impugned order passed by the High Court.

2018-02-21

Special Leave Petition (Civil) filed in the Supreme Court.

2018-04-27

Case first listed for hearing in the Supreme Court.

2018-09-07

Registrar's Court grants final opportunity to Respondents 1-5 to file counter-affidavit and directs listing before Hon'ble Court after four weeks.

Key Factual Findings

Respondents Nos.1 to 5 have not yet filed their counter affidavit.

Source: Current Court Finding

Service is complete on respondent Nos.6 and 7.

Source: Current Court Finding

None has entered appearance for respondent Nos.6 and 7.

Source: Current Court Finding

Primary Legal Issues

1.Compliance with court directions regarding timely filing of counter-affidavit by respondents
2.Ensuring the timely progression of the Special Leave Petition before the Hon'ble Court

Secondary Legal Issues

1.Addressing the status of service and non-appearance of certain respondents

Petitioner's Arguments

The petitioner's counsel appeared, indicating their continued active pursuit of the Special Leave Petition, likely advocating for the timely progression of the matter and compliance from the respondents.

Respondent's Arguments

Respondents 1-5 have not yet filed their counter-affidavit, which implies a request for or need for more time. Respondents 6 and 7 have not entered appearance despite being served, suggesting either a decision not to contest or a lack of engagement with the proceedings at this stage.

Court's Reasoning

The Registrar's decision is predicated on the necessity of advancing the Special Leave Petition in a timely manner and enforcing procedural compliance. By granting a 'last and final opportunity' to Respondents 1-5, the court aims to conclude the affidavit-filing stage. The directive to list the matter before the Hon'ble Court after four weeks, irrespective of affidavit submission, demonstrates the court's resolve to prevent further delays and ensure the case moves to its substantive hearing stage.

Judicial Philosophy Indicators:
  • Strict Adherence to Procedure
  • Expeditious Disposal of Cases
Order Nature:Procedural
Disposition Status:Pending

Impugned Orders

High Court
Case: CR-5240-2016
Date: 2017-10-03

Specific Directions

  1. 1.Last and final opportunity is granted to respondent Nos.1 to 5 for filing counter affidavit within four weeks.
  2. 2.Registry to process the matter for listing before the Hon'ble Court after completion of period of four weeks whether counter affidavit is filed or not as further opportunity stands declined.

Precedential Assessment

Non-Binding (Procedural)

This is a routine procedural order issued by a Registrar, focused on case management and ensuring compliance. It does not address any substantive legal issues or establish new legal principles, hence it holds no binding or persuasive precedential value in law.

Tips for Legal Practice

1.Advocates should prioritize timely compliance with court directives, especially when a 'last and final opportunity' is granted for filing documents like counter-affidavits.
2.It is crucial to ensure and verify that service is properly effected on all parties and to proactively address any non-appearance, as proceedings can continue regardless.
3.Be prepared for cases to be listed before the appropriate bench even if all procedural compliances by respondents are not met, particularly after specific deadlines have been imposed by the Registrar for case progression.

Legal Tags

Supreme Court Procedural Order Compliance RequirementsSpecial Leave Petition Civil Case Progress DirectionsFiling Counter Affidavit Last Opportunity ConsequencesService of Notice Complete Non-Appearance ImplicationsRegistrar Court Directives For Timely Case ListingSupreme Court Rules For Respondent Reply Submission

Disclaimer: eCourtsIndia (ECI) is not a lawyer and this analysis is generated by ECI AI, it might make mistakes. This is not a legal advice. Please consult with a qualified legal professional for matters requiring legal expertise.

Order Issued After Hearing

Purpose:

Fixed Date by Court

Stage:

SERVICE/COMPLIANCE-BEFORE REGISTRAR(J)

Remarks:

List Before Appropriate Bench

Listed On:

9 Jul 2018

In:

Registrar

Category:

UNKNOWN

Original Order Copy

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Order Text

ITEM NO.66 REGISTRAR COURT. 1 SECTION IV-B

S U P R E M E C O U R T O F I N D I A RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

BEFORE THE REGISTRAR MR. KAPIL MEHTA

Petition(s) for Special Leave to Appeal (C) No(s). 11378/2018

NAMRATA SAINI Petitioner(s)

VERSUS

USHA DEVI @ RAM DEVI & ORS. Respondent(s)

Date : 07-09-2018 This petition was called on for hearing today.

For Petitioner(s)

Mr. Shakti Pandey, Adv. Mr. M. Y. Deshmukh, AOR

For Respondent(s)

Mr. Ashok Kumar Singh, AOR

UPON hearing the counsel the Court made the following O R D E R

Last and final opportunity is granted to respondent Nos.1 to 5 for filing counter affidavit within four weeks.

Service is complete on respondent Nos.6 and 7 but none has entered appearance.

Registry to process the matter for listing before the Hon'ble Court after completion of period of four weeks whether counter affidavit is filed or not as further opportunity stands declined.

rd Digitally signed by VINOD KUMAR TIWARI Date: 2018.09.12 12:39:07 IST Reason: Signature Not Verified

KAPIL MEHTA Registrar 07.09.2018

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Case History of Orders

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Order(4) - 27 Jul 2021

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Order(3) - 7 Sept 2018

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Order(2) - 1 Aug 2018

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Order(1) - 27 Apr 2018

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