$~54 to 56 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + CRL.M.C. 6048/2018, CRL.M.A. 48388/2018 & 38203/2019 SATINDER SINGH .....Petitioner Through: Ms. Laqshyaa Saluja, Advocate.

versus KULDEEP KUMAR KUKRETI .....Respondent Through: None.

+ CRL.M.C. 74/2020 & CRL.M.A. 345/2020 SATINDER SINGH .....Petitioner Through: Ms. Laqshyaa Saluja, Advocate.

versus DHANBIR SINGH .....Respondent Through: None.

+ CRL.M.C. 78/2020 & CRL.M.A. 362/2020 SATINDER SINGH .....Petitioner Through: Ms. Laqshyaa Saluja, Advocate.

versus KULDEEP KUMAR KUKRETI .....Respondent Through: None.

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE GIRISH KATHPALIA

O R D E R

% 20.01.2026

1. Learned counsel for petitioner submits that they received an adjournment slip from counsel for respondent. But learned counsel for petitioner is not aware of the ground on which adjournment was requested on behalf of respondent. None has appeared on behalf of respondent. Even the Court Master confirms that he did not receive any such adjournment slip. Such conduct on part of both sides is not acceptable. It seems that counsel for both sides are under a mistaken impression of any presumption that if they decide, the matter shall certainly be adjourned.

2. The petition is pending since the year 2018. Before me, the matter has come up for the first time.

3. It appears that throughout, each ordersheet mentions “interim orders to continue”. The interim order in this case as passed on 30.11.2018 by the predecessor bench was exemption of the petitioner from personal appearance before the trial court.

4. It is made clear that the proceedings pending before the trial court subsequent to the dismissal of the discharge application have not been stayed. Copy of this order be sent to the trial court so as to ensure that there is no miscommunication. It is made clear that trial court shall continue with the proceedings and in case under some misconception, the trial court proceedings were not being carried forward, now the trial court shall act expeditiously.

5. Last opportunity is granted to both sides to conclude arguments on

02.04.2026 in Advance List.

GIRISH KATHPALIA, J JANUARY 20, 2026/

ry

6. Matter is taken up on mentioning after lunch. Learned counsel for petitioners clarifies that the proceedings before the trial court are not stayed and the same are continuing. As requested by learned counsel for petitioners, he may move formal application before the trial court for exemption from personal appearance and that application shall be decided independent of the order passed today in pre-lunch session.

GIRISH KATHPALIA, J JANUARY 20, 2026 ‘rs’