'Cases Filed By Grandparents, Judgments Heard By Grandchildren': Rajasthan High Court Laments Delay In Adjudication By Revenue Courts

In a case concerning a challenge to the Revenue Board's order, Rajasthan High Court expressed its dismay at the delay caused in disposal of cases by the authority observing that often cases filed by grandparents are decided after long lapse of time wherein their grandchildren are able to finally hear the decision.

The court thus emphasized on the need to prioritize revenue cases remarking that casual approach by revenue courts needs urgent changing.

The Court was hearing a challenge to the order of the Revenue Board. In this instance, the Revenue Board had set aside the decision of the Appellate Authority, and upheld the order of the SDO that had decreed a suit without providing opportunity of cross examination to the respondents.

Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand in its order said observed that the court had noticed on several occasions that a significant number of revenue suits and miscellaneous applications are pending before the Revenue Courts coupled with many old appeals pending before the Revenue Appellate Courts for two to three decades. It said.

"Unfortunately, these old matters are not accorded priority in disposal, resulting in decisions being delayed beyond the lifetime of the original litigants. Thus, the cases instituted by the grandparents are often decided only after passing of one or two generations, with their grandchildren finally hearing the judgments. Such a casual approach of these Revenue Courts is required to be changed by taking some urgent and concrete steps. It is both the right time and high time for the Government of Rajasthan to take all appropriate steps to ensure the effective administration of justice in the Revenue Courts".

The court thereafter made various suggestions to ensure effective administration of justice in the Revenue Courts. It thereafter listed the matter on September 1 to see compliance of this order.