In a decisive move to expedite judicial processes, the Kerala High Court has decreed that all statutory appellate authorities must deliver their final verdicts within 30 days of concluding hearings. This directive, issued by Justice PV Kunhikrishnan on July 2, aims to ensure timely justice and prevent unnecessary delays.
Justice Kunhikrishnan emphasized that even constitutional courts adhere to strict timelines for delivering judgments. Therefore, it is imperative for statutory bodies to follow suit until the government enacts specific guidelines.
Key Guidelines Issued:
- Rapid Verdict Delivery: Final orders must be issued within 30 days post-hearing.
- Justification for Delays: If orders are delayed beyond a month, authorities must document the reasons, which higher authorities will review to determine if any party was prejudiced by the delay.
- Rehearing Mandate: If no order is issued within three months, a rehearing is mandatory, failing which the original order may be annulled unless compelling reasons justify it.
- Six-Month Rule: Any order passed more than six months after the hearing will be automatically set aside, barring exceptional circumstances.
The Court also instructed the State’s Chief Secretary to enforce these guidelines and raise public awareness.
This ruling came in response to a petition by a landowner accused of illegal mining. The Department of Mining and Geology had demanded ₹2,45,788 in royalties and fines from him. After his appeal was dismissed, he approached the High Court. The Court noted that the appellate authority’s six-month delay in issuing a verdict was unacceptable, ultimately allowing the petition and ordering a fresh review of the case by the Department of Mining and Geology.
This landmark directive aims to streamline the appeals process, ensuring that justice is served swiftly and efficiently.
