Supreme Court Grants 'Final Chance' for Compliance in Massive Batch of Petitions

New Delhi – The Supreme Court of India has granted a final, four-week extension to several respondents for filing compliance affidavits in a major case, Himanshu Singh & Ors. vs. Union of India & Ors. The Court has scheduled the next hearing for February 11, 2025, making it clear that no further adjournments will be permitted.

The order was passed by a Division Bench comprising Hon'ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Nongmeikupam Kotiswar Singh . The case involves a large cluster of interconnected Special Leave Petitions and Writ Petitions, challenging a High Court of Delhi order dated March 14, 2023.

Procedural Update

During the hearing on January 7, 2025, the Bench noted that while some respondents had adhered to its previous directive from November 5, 2024, to file compliance affidavits, many had failed to do so.

Counsels for the non-compliant respondents requested additional time, which the Court granted. However, the Bench issued a stern warning, stating, "It is clarified that no further time shall be granted."

The order underscores the Court's intent to move the complex litigation forward without further delays. The matter has now been listed for a "non-miscellaneous day" hearing on February 11, 2025 , indicating that the court will take up the case for a detailed hearing on that date.

Case Background

The primary case, Himanshu Singh & Ors. vs. Union of India & Ors. , stems from a Special Leave Petition (SLP(C) No. 7649/2023) against a final judgment from the Delhi High Court. The sheer volume of connected petitions and the extensive list of legal representatives from both sides highlight the case's wide-ranging impact and complexity.

While the specifics of the underlying dispute are yet to be argued in detail, the current proceedings are focused on ensuring all parties comply with the court's procedural requirements, setting the stage for the substantive hearing scheduled for February.

The Court's Final Order

The Court's brief but firm order stated: 1. Some of the respondents have filed their compliance affidavits in terms of order dated 05.11.2024. 2. Those respondents, who have not filed their compliance affidavits, seek and are granted four weeks’ time to file the same. 3. It is clarified that no further time shall be granted. 4. List the matters for hearing on 11th February, 2025 (non-miscellaneous day).

This procedural development is a critical step towards the resolution of a significant legal matter involving numerous petitioners against the Union of India and other respondent parties. All eyes will now be on the February 11 hearing, where the core legal arguments are expected to be presented.