Allahabad High Court Mandates Time-Bound Resolution of Revenue Cases

Continuous Strikes by Bar Associations May Lead to Contempt Proceedings, Warns Court

In a landmark judgment, the Allahabad High Court has directed Sub Divisional Magistrates to ensure the expeditious disposal of cases under Section 116 of the U.P. Revenue Code, 2006. The court has emphasized a strict six-month timeline for resolving such matters, failing which the concerned authorities may face contempt proceedings. This directive comes in response to a writ petition filed by Parshuram and others, highlighting delays due to continuous strikes by the Bar Association at Tehsil Utraula, Balrampur.

Presiding over the case, Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal highlighted the importance of timely adjudication, especially in cases affecting farmers and other litigants reliant on agricultural land. The court referenced its prior ruling in Daya Shankar v. State of U.P., underscoring that any failure to adhere to the stipulated timelines without reasonable cause would constitute contempt of court.

The judgment also addresses the negative impact of continuous strikes by Bar Associations on the judicial process. It warns that office bearers of such associations may be held liable for contempt if their actions obstruct the court's directive for timely case resolution. The court mandates that if proceedings are delayed due to strikes, affected parties can initiate contempt proceedings against the Bar Association's office bearers.

The court’s decision is expected to expedite the resolution of pending revenue cases across Uttar Pradesh, benefitting numerous litigants, particularly from the agrarian community. The directive extends beyond individual cases, aiming to improve the overall efficiency of the judicial process in revenue matters.

The judgment has been circulated to all relevant revenue authorities, emphasizing the need for compliance. This move signals the court's commitment to ensuring justice is not delayed by procedural bottlenecks or external disruptions.

Bottom Line:

Direction issued for time-bound disposal of proceedings under U.P. Revenue Code, 2006, failing which the concerned Revenue Authority or office bearers of Bar Associations obstructing proceedings through continuous strikes may be held liable for contempt of court.

Statutory provision(s): U.P. Revenue Code, 2006, Section 116, Rule 109(10), Contempt of Court Act, 1971.

Parshuram v. Sub Divisional Magistrate, Utraula, Balrampur, (Allahabad)(Lucknow) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2817580