Chennai: Observing that when justice is delayed in cases of matrimonial disputes, it causes constant emotional disturbance and relentless worries to the litigants, the Madras high court has directed a family court to dispose of within eight weeks a divorce case, which is pending for nearly 13 years.
Disposing of a petition filed by the husband, who sought a direction to the family court to dispose of his divorce case filed in 2003, within a time frame, Justice S. Vimala said, “This case is a case where the situation is grave, as the allegation is non-consummation of marriage. Therefore, the III Additional Family Court judge, Chennai, is hereby directed to give top priority to the case and dispose of the same, preferably within eight weeks”.
“Justice delayed is justice denied”. This is a tragedy, felt stronger and deeper, when justice is delayed in cases of matrimonial disputes, leaving the parties to the litigation in constant emotional disturbance, relentless worries, paving the way for multiplicity of proceedings in the interregnum. This is the silent cry of the husband, who is allegedly deprived of conjugal relationship right from the date of marriage”, said Justice Vimala.
Pointing out that it is time to ponder over the consequences of the delay involved in disposal of cases relating to matrimonial disputes, the judge asked the presiding officers of family courts to find ways and means to dispose of the cases quickly, despite a huge pendency.
“It is time to ponder over the consequences of the delay involved in the disposal of cases relating to family court. This petition is pending for 13 years. No need to point out that youth is powerful and productive.
The dispute is between the couple, who were expected to be intimate/who were intimate. Emotional explosion is involved in almost all cases relating to matrimonial disputes. The interest of children is involved in several cases. The pending disputes shatter the mental peace. The future planning is kept under suspension.”
