3 year delay in ₹362 crore dispute: SC permits urgent listing plea in HC

On Tuesday, drawing attention to the tangible cost of judicial delay, the Supreme Court stepped in to address a commercial dispute where ₹362 crore has remained locked for over three years without a hearing before the Allahabad High Court. Taking note of the prolonged inaction, the Court allowed the petitioner to seek urgent listing, bringing into focus how pendency in high-value cases can quietly paralyse business interests and raise larger questions about timely access to justice.

The case arose from a plea which pointed out that despite a prior direction of the High Court to list the case among the top matters, the dispute had not been taken up for hearing. Counsel stressed that the continued delay had effectively rendered the listing direction meaningless, with substantial funds remaining blocked. The case itself stems from the cancellation of a lease after a considerable lapse of time, with the petitioner highlighting the severe financial consequences of the prolonged pendency. During the hearing, the Bench also engaged with broader issues of backlog in the Allahabad High Court, including delays in bail matters and procedural factors such as repeated adjournments and filing practices contributing to slow disposal.

The Court acknowledged the concern over delay and clarified the appropriate procedural course. It observed, “Without expressing any opinion… liberty is granted to move an application before the High Court for urgent hearing.” The Bench thus refrained from issuing direct directions but enabled the petitioner to pursue expedited consideration before the High Court, effectively closing the proceedings.

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