Prem Parkash Kohli vs. GNCT of Delhi & Ors.
Background
The petitioner, a 90-year-old man, had a service-related case (Original Application No. 3400/2025) pending before the Central Administrative Tribunal. He approached the High Court only to ask that the Tribunal be directed to hear and decide his case more quickly, given his advanced age.
Decision Breakdown
Considering the petitioner's age, the Court requested the Tribunal to take up the case for final disposal on a fixed date (23 November 2026), directed both sides to complete their pleadings (counter-affidavit and rejoinder) within set deadlines, barred either side from seeking adjournments on the next hearing date, and directed lawyers to exchange short written submissions (up to four pages each) in advance to help speed up the final hearing.
Lesson Learnt
Courts can and will step in to fast-track pending tribunal cases involving elderly litigants, using firm deadlines and a no-adjournment rule to ensure the case is not delayed further by the ordinary pace of litigation.