'Sordid State Of Affairs': Calcutta HC Raps CAT For Delay In Case Disposal, Orders Conduct Of Day To Day Hearing To Dispose Matter In 2 Weeks

The Calcutta High Court on Monday came down heavily on the Central Administrative Tribunal for failing to dispose of a matter within a month despite its earlier order, by labelling it to be a 'sordid state of affairs'. 

A Bench comprising Justice Shampa Dutt (Paul) and Justice Harish Tandon underscored, 

"It is the sordid state of affairs that despite all requests having been made to the officers manning the tribunal to dispose of the matter within a month from the date of the communication of this order, no substantial progress could be seen therefrom."

The Bench noted that the matter was listed time and again but repeated adjournments were granted and that the next date of hearing has been fixed for June 7. Upon perusal of the order dated March 2, 2022, issued by the Tribunal, the Court noted that a direction has been passed upon the appearing counsel to exchange the written notes of arguments.

The concerned counsel apprised the Court that the written notes of arguments have already been filed and the matter is otherwise ready for final disposal.

Accordingly, the Court directed the Tribunal to take up the matter on June 7 and dispose of the same within 2 weeks. 

Opining that the time limit set forth is mandatory, the Court further observed, 

"The time limit set forth hereinabove, is peremptory and mandatory. If necessary, the tribunal shall fix the date on day to day basis in order to adhere to the time fixed by this Court in the impugned order."

Case Title: Goutam Saren v. Union of India & Ors

Case Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (Cal) 226

Click Here To Read/Download Order