PATNA HC IMPOSED FINE OF Rs. 5000 ON BIHAR GOVERNMENT

PATNA HC IMPOSED FINE OF Rs. 5000 ON BIHAR GOVERNMENT

24-JAN-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYANN AGRAWAL

PATNA----------------------------The Patna High Court expressed displeasure over a 40-day delay in filing an appeal and imposed a fine of ₹5,000 on the Bihar government, directing action against the responsible officials.

The Patna High Court imposed a fine of five thousand rupees on the Bihar government for a 40-day delay in filing an appeal. A division bench of Justice Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, while hearing the case, said that not conducting legal proceedings in a timely manner not only affects the judicial process but also shows the insensitivity of government officials. The interim application filed before the court requested condonation of the forty-day delay in filing the appeal. The court found that the concerned officer did not take any concrete steps for 72 days at the initial stage.

The court also found that even after the draft of the appeal was prepared, it took more than a month to file the affidavit. The court clearly stated that the negligence of the officials in such an important matter as the limitation period is a matter of serious concern. However, since this was a matter related to acquittal, the court condoned the delay by imposing a fine of five thousand rupees.

The court directed that this amount be deposited with the Patna High Court Legal Services Authority.  It also directed the District Magistrate, Patna, to identify the responsible officials and take action against them. The court said that in the future, the date should be mandatorily marked when uploading the decisions of the district courts to ensure transparency.  The Patna High Court's e-committee was also asked to take necessary action.