J U D G M E N T

MINI PUSHKARNA, J:

W.P.(C) 15091/2023 & CM APPLs.60290-60292/2023 W.P.(C) 15124/2023 & CM APPLs.60438-60440/2023 INTRODUCTION:

1. The present petitions challenge the constitutionality of Rule 4, Chapter VII of the Delhi High Court (Original Side) Rules, 2018 (“DHC Original Side Rules”), which mandates a strict timeline of 120 days for filing of written statement even in non-commercial matters. The challenge is essentially on the ground that the said Rule creates an unfair discrimination and unequal treatment amongst various litigants in the territory of Delhi, merely on the basis of pecuniary jurisdiction, as non-commercial matters in District Courts are governed by Order VIII Rule 1 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (“CPC”), wherein, discretion vests with the court to condone the delay in filing written statement in non-commercial matters beyond 120 days. Since it is the case of the petitioners that unfair discrimination and unequal treatment is meted to litigants, wherein, delay beyond 120 days in filing written statement in non-commercial matters, is not condoned on account of Rule 4, Chapter VII of DHC Original Side Rules, in cases filed before this Court, the p