The Supreme Court recently directed the Allahabad High Court to prioritize the disposal of cases where trials have been stayed, particularly in landlord-tenant disputes. The Court emphasized the need for expeditious hearings to prevent unnecessary delays in such matters.
A Bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice K.V. Viswanathan issued the direction while hearing a plea filed by landlord Rajat Gaera. The petitioner highlighted that the eviction proceedings against tenant Tarun Rawat were stalled due to a stay order by the High Court. Gaera sought an early hearing of the case to resolve the matter swiftly.
The Court acknowledged the backlog of cases but stressed that stays on trials, especially in landlord-tenant disputes, lead to prolonged delays. It observed:
"Although, we are mindful of the fact that there may be hundreds of petitions pending before the High Court, we are constrained to observe that where the High Court has stayed the trial in cases, particularly between landlord and tenant, those cases must be heard expeditiously. The stay of trial inevitably delays the conclusion of proceedings."
The Bench further directed the High Court to hear such cases out of turn and dispose of them as quickly as possible, in accordance with the law. A copy of the order was also sent to the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court for necessary action.
Key Takeaways:
- The Supreme Court emphasized speedy resolution of stayed trials in landlord-tenant cases.
- The Allahabad High Court was asked to prioritize such matters for out-of-turn hearings.
- The ruling benefits landlords facing delays due to stay orders in eviction proceedings.
Case : Rajat Gaera vs Tarun Rawat