The Delhi High Court expressed sharp disapproval over lawyers repeatedly seeking adjournments, stressing that such delays unfairly burden litigants. “Blissfully ignorant, it’s the litigant who suffers,” the Court remarked while criticising advocates for disrupting the judicial process.
The Delhi High Court expressed strong discontent regarding advocates requesting adjournments during hearings.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna remarked,
“It is the litigant who suffers. It does not impact me. The litigant does not know what is happening in the court. The litigant has the impression that the courts are not working; only matters get adjourned…Blissfully ignorant…Blissfully.”
The Court pointed out that advocates are failing to address this misconception among litigants.
The Court stated,
“You all are not doing anything to dispel this. As an officer of the court, you have some responsibility. I don’t know when you would all learn not to take adjournment,”
While hearing a service matter from 2014 involving Oriental Insurance Company, the petitioner’s counsel requested an adjournment, claiming he had recently obtained the brief. The Court noted in its order that neither the litigant nor his lawyer appeared to be in any rush, rescheduling the hearing for August.
The Court documented,
“This is a petition of 2014 pertaining to service matter. There appears to be no rush or hurry in the mind of the litigant or the counsel. Be listed for arguments on August 10,”
In a separate instance, the Court admonished an advocate for requesting an adjournment without submitting an adjournment slip.
Conversely, one advocate requested an adjournment stating,
“I beg to appear My Lord.”
Justice Krishna promptly responded, advising him to refrain from using the term “beg” in court,
“Stop saying beg, who are you begging? You have the right to appear.”
An adjournment refers to the postponement of a court hearing or legal proceeding to a later date, usually granted when a party, lawyer, or the court itself requires more time due to unavoidable circumstances.
Courts may allow adjournments for reasons such as the absence of counsel, need for additional documents, preparation time, or administrative issues. When a judge says that a matter is adjourned, it simply means the case will continue on another scheduled date.