Wanting An Updated Laptop Not A Ground For Adjournment : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court recently expressed displeasure on a petitioner appearing in person seeking adjournment on grounds of wanting an updated laptop or desktop with him.

The bench of Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Vikram Nath was considering a special leave petition assailing Allahabad High Court's order dated October 28, 2021.

The petitioner having a PhD degree to his credit who appeared in person had not accepted the services of an advocate. After having interacted with him on Whatsapp calling, the Registrar (J-V) had opined that he would be able to assist the Court properly.

The petitioner had however circulated a letter seeking adjournment till March 13, 2022 for wanting an updated laptop or desktop with him.

Remarking that there was no reason to grant such a long arrangement when arrangements for virtual hearing had been made from Court Campus through Video Conferencing Facilitation Center, the bench in its order said,

"The petitioner has now circulated a letter stating want of updated laptop or desktop with him and, therefore, wants adjournment in this matter until 13.03.2022. We find no reason to grant such a long adjournment in this matter, particularly when arrangements have also been made for virtual hearing from the Court Campus through Video Conferencing Facilitation Centre. However, having regard to the circumstances, the matter stands adjourned today. Be listed on 28.02.2022. It shall be required of the petitioner to make appropriate arrangements to address the Court on the next date of hearing."

Accordingly the bench adjourned the matter for February 28, 2022 with directions to the petitioner to make appropriate arrangements for addressing the Court.

Click Here To Read/Download Order