The Supreme Court of India recently reiterated that litigants must remain vigilant and cannot solely blame their advocates for delays in legal proceedings. The court’s remarks came in response to a case where there were allegations of delay in the resolution of a matter due to the actions of the counsel.
Background:
The issue arose when a litigant sought to blame their lawyer for a prolonged delay in the legal process. The Supreme Court, while considering the matter, emphasized that it is ultimately the litigants’ responsibility to ensure that their case progresses in a timely manner.
Court’s Reasoning:
During the hearing, the Supreme Court highlighted that litigants must be proactive in following up on their cases and stay informed about the progress of legal proceedings. It stated that advocates can only work within the confines of the law and procedural timelines, and litigants should not rely solely on their lawyers without engaging themselves in the process.
Implications:
This reminder from the apex court emphasizes the shared responsibility between litigants and their legal representatives in ensuring the expeditious handling of cases. It serves as a wake-up call for individuals involved in legal disputes to stay engaged and informed.
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court’s statement reinforces the principle of accountability in the legal process, urging litigants to take an active role in their cases rather than attributing delays solely to their lawyers. This serves as a prompt for greater cooperation between clients and legal professionals.