LI Network
Published on: November 17, 2023 at 14:43 IST
The Punjab & Haryana High Court recently concluded a 23-year-old case, citing the inability to trace essential records despite exhaustive efforts.
Justice Anoop Chitkara, acknowledging the challenges faced by the court in managing numerous files, commented that misplacement, theft, termite damage, or files getting mixed with others is not an uncommon occurrence.
The court, in its decision, left the option open for any party to revive the case by filing an application with the reconstructed records.
The case involved a revision petition filed in 2000 by the State of Punjab under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The accused had reportedly been convicted in 2012, receiving a two-year prison sentence. However, the court received information that, despite diligent efforts, the records related to the case could not be located.
Justice Chitkara noted that the detailed office report outlined the extensive measures taken to reconstruct the records but confirmed that all attempts proved futile. The court expressed concerns about the petitioner’s lack of urgency in expediting the case’s decision, questioning the seriousness of intent in pursuing the matter after such a prolonged period.
Given the unavailability of the record despite exhaustive efforts, the court concluded that closing the petition was the only viable option. The judgment emphasized that any party could revive the case by filing an application with the reconstructed records.
Justice Chitkara speculated that the initial delay might have dampened hopes, and the failure to reach a decision within a reasonable timeframe might have further diminished the prospects for justice.
Case Title: Punjab & Haryana High Court Closes 23-Year-Old Case Due to Missing Records
- Petition Type: Revision petition filed in 2000 by the State of Punjab
- Disposition: Closure of the petition with an option for revival by filing an application with reconstructed records.
