LI Network
Published on: 28 July 2023 at 09:45 IST
The Karnataka High Court has emphasized the need for expeditious resolution of matrimonial cases, especially those seeking the dissolution or nullity of marriage, within a maximum timeframe of one year.
Justice Krishna S Dixit, presiding over a recent case (N Rajeev v. C Deepa), emphasized that courts should prioritize and dispose of such cases on a war footing, considering the significant impact delays have on the parties involved.
The court’s observation came in response to a petitioner seeking directions to the family court for expediting the disposal of his marriage dissolution petition, which was filed back in 2016. The petitioner’s counsel argued that the right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
In granting the plea, the Karnataka High Court stressed that efforts must be made to resolve the case within a more specific timeframe of three months. Justice Krishna S Dixit requested the learned Family Court Judge to expedite the trial and disposal of the seven-year-old case, with all contentions kept open.
Furthermore, the High Court directed the Registrar General to circulate the judgment to all relevant parties. This measure is aimed at ensuring that other litigants facing similar circumstances do not have to approach the court separately seeking directions for the speedy resolution of their cases.
