Supreme Court Issues Sweeping Procedural Order for Large Batch of Cases

New Delhi: In a significant procedural directive, the Supreme Court of India, presided over by Justice S.V.N. Bhatti in chambers, has issued an order addressing the status of a vast number of pending cases, including the lead matter of Kripa Shanker Shukla vs. The State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors. The order, dated January 12, 2024, primarily focuses on the withdrawal of certain petitions and setting deadlines for curing defects in many others.

The order groups the numerous connected matters into three categories based on their current procedural standing.

Cases Dismissed as Withdrawn

For a specific list of diary numbers, the court noted that the learned counsel for the petitioners/appellants sought permission to withdraw their respective matters. Granting this request, the Court ordered these cases to be dismissed as withdrawn.

Cases Ready for Listing After Curing Defects

In another set of matters, the counsel informed the Court that the defects previously noted by the Registry had already been cured. Accordingly, the Court directed that these matters be processed by the Registry for listing before the appropriate bench in due course.

Time Granted to Cure Defects in Remaining Cases

The majority of the matters listed were given a final opportunity to rectify any procedural defects. The Court granted a period of eight weeks to the concerned parties to cure these defects. A stern consequence was attached: failing to cure the defects within the stipulated eight-week period will result in the matters being automatically dismissed without any further reference to the Court. Once defects are cured within this timeframe, the Registry is directed to process the matters for listing.

This procedural order streamlines the docket by clearing matters voluntarily withdrawn and enforcing compliance with court procedures for a large number of pending cases. It underscores the judiciary's efforts to manage the vast volume of litigation efficiently by ensuring timely procedural rectifications.

The order, while crucial for case management, does not delve into the specific facts, legal issues, or merits of the underlying disputes in these numerous petitions.

The order was signed by Justice S.V.N. Bhatti .