In a bid to address the issue of pendency and delay in court proceedings, the Supreme Court has announced stricter rules regarding adjournments, particularly in bail and anticipatory bail cases. According to a recent circular, the court will no longer entertain last-minute adjournment requests from lawyers in such cases, especially when notice has been previously issued.
Additionally, adjournment requests will not be entertained in cases involving exemptions, interim orders, or suspension of sentences. Parties are now required to appear in court, and consecutive adjournments will not be allowed. Furthermore, the court has mandated that adjourned cases must be listed within four weeks, with no allowances for oral mentioning to advance hearing dates. Despite objections from legal associations and lawyers, the Supreme Court aims to streamline proceedings and minimize delays through these stricter regulations.