Hearing on election petition postponed, CJI asked - Should we interfere with HC's work?
The Supreme Court of India raised concerns about frequent adjournments in election petition hearings, questioning the impact of such delays on the judicial process.
During a hearing regarding an election petition pending in Jaipur, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) remarked on the increasing number of similar petitions from various High Courts including Allahabad, Patna, and now Rajasthan. The CJI questioned whether the Supreme Court's intervention could be seen as interfering with the functioning of the High Courts. This acknowledgment highlights a potential issue within the judicial system where an overload of cases may lead to significant delays in important election-related matters.
The petitioner argued against repeated adjournments, asserting the necessity of a timely resolution for the election petition. They indicated that their application was still pending before a designated judge, who, instead of sitting in Jaipur, was operating from Jodhpur, thereby contributing to further delays in the hearing process. This situation raises concerns about the accessibility and efficiency of the judicial system, especially for cases that may significantly impact electoral processes.
The Chief Justice emphasized that the ongoing adjournments could render the petition meaningless if not addressed promptly. His comments reflect a broader concern about the timeliness of justice in election-related matters, which are essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The Supreme Court's role in ensuring that cases are heard without undue delays is crucial for upholding democratic principles in India.