Delhi High Court Mandates Reason Disclosure for Adjournment Requests

Court Updates Adjournment Slip Format and Stresses Timely Filing of Written Submissions

In a significant move to enhance procedural transparency, the Delhi High Court has directed its Registry to revise the adjournment slip format, mandating the disclosure of reasons for adjournment requests. This directive came in the case between Lava International Ltd. and Dolby International AB, emphasizing the need for accountability in court proceedings.

The division bench comprising Justices C. Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla expressed discontent over the existing format's omission of a column requiring the specification of reasons for adjournment. The court highlighted that adjournment slips lacking stated reasons would no longer be accepted by Court Masters, ensuring a more systematic approach to adjournment requests.

This decision arose from a request for adjournment by the counsel for Dolby International AB due to travel commitments outside India. The court, recognizing the recurring nature and significance of the case, declined the adjournment but granted a re-notification for November 11, 2025, with the interim order to persist until the next hearing.

Additionally, the court reiterated its directive that all parties must file written submissions at least 24 hours before the scheduled hearing. An advance copy of these submissions is to be circulated to the Court Master to ensure adherence to this procedural requirement.

The court's orders aim to streamline judicial processes and ensure that hearings proceed without unnecessary delays, thereby upholding the efficiency and integrity of the judicial system.

Bottom Line:

Directions issued for updating the adjournment slip proforma to include a column specifying reasons for adjournment and for strict compliance regarding filing of written submissions in advance.

Statutory provision(s): Adjournment Slips Format, Filing of Written Submissions, Adjournment Request

Lava International Ltd. v. Dolby International AB, (Delhi)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2806121