The Delhi High Court has dismissed the appeal filed by Arvind Kejriwal and his aide Ashutosh against the order expediting the Arun Jaitley defamation case passed by Justice Manmohan.
Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar stated that the appellant has no reason to be aggrieved by the impugned order. The court observed ‘clearly aimed solely at ensuring orderly and dignified conducting of the trial proceedings. Such appeals do disservice to the cause of justice in the long run, and we would request counsel to be more circumspect in raising such challenges. This Court has not come across any earlier case where such a grievance has been voiced. Suffice it to state that the right to a speedy trial is elemental, and an inalienable adjunct to orderly administration of justice, and no exception can ever be taken, to such a direction. This truism applies, with equal force, to civil as well as criminal trials.’
The order had simple directions that no attempt to scandalize the respondent would be permissible and proceedings be expedited in the interest of justice. It also stated that only the counsel appearing in the case would be allowed in the courtroom. Expedition of trials is the need of the hour and cannot be faulted for any reason.
As to Snr. Adv. June Chaudhari’s question that why only this matter is being expedited, the court said that it is unanswerable and that every trial deserved to conducted with due expedition, and delay would defeat the cause of justice. On why only the counsels for parties would be allowed in the courtroom, the bench said is a a matter of discretion, whether to allow a public hearing or not. So long as the exercise of such discretion is judicious, and not capricious, it is hardly the brief of an appellate court to interfere therewith.
At Myadvo read more top legal news and top legal updates in India!
Image Source
