CHANDIGARH: Citing the impediment in courts’ working in the Covid-10 scenario, the Punjab and Haryana high court has made it clear that it cannot direct the family courts to expedite the matters related to matrimonial disputes and decide these in a time-bound manner.
"This court is conscious of the emotional fragmentation of the parties in the matrimonial cases and the delay caused, does lead to more pain and agony. But at the same time, we have to see that on account of pandemic situation and restricted working of the courts, some delay has taken place, but no such direction, as such, can be given to the concerned court, to expedite the matter and decide the same in a time-bound manner," the HC has observed. The HC, however, clarified that it is expected and desired that the family court judge shall endeavour to expedite the case and not to adjourn the matter, without any substantial reason as far as possible, keeping in view the objects and reasons of the Family Court Act and instructions, issued from time to time.
