2026 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 33666

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
Bechu Kurian Thomas, J
Pranav G – Appellant
Versus
University Of Kerala – Respondent
WP(C) NO. 46374 OF 2024

A court may dismiss a petition for non-prosecution if the petitioners demonstrate a persistent lack of interest by failing to appear for multiple scheduled hearings.

Headnote:The proceedings concern a petition filed seeking relief, however, due to the persistent absence of representation for the petitioners over multiple hearings, the court scrutinized the interest of the parties in pursuing the litigation. The court determined that the lack of appearance signifies an abandonment of the cause. At issue is whether the petition should remain active despite the failure of the petitioners to appear and prosecute the case. The ratio decidendi is grounded in the principle that litigation requires active participation, and a persistent failure to appear warrants dismissal for want of prosecution. In the result, the petition is dismissed for non-prosecution.