The Bombay High Court, in a strongly worded order, deferred the hearing of a long-pending defamation suit to the year 2046, observing that the dispute reflects an “ego fight” between parties that unnecessarily burdens the judicial system. Justice Jitendra Jain noted that such matters clog court dockets and hinder adjudication of cases requiring genuine priority.

The Court recorded that on an earlier occasion, it had indicated that the dispute could be resolved through an unconditional apology. However, despite Plaintiff 1 being nearly 90 years old, the insistence on pursuing the defamation claim persisted. Expressing disinclination to engage further, the Court remarked that the matter ought not to occupy judicial time for the next two decades.

Accordingly, the Court directed that the suit be listed only after 2046, making it explicitly clear that no priority would be granted even on the ground that the parties are senior or super senior citizens.

Appearances:

For the Plaintiffs: Mr. Sanskruti Yagnik, Advocate

For Defendant Nos. 1 to 4, 6 & 7: Mr. Pushkraj Deshpande a/w Ms. Anushtha Rathod

For Defendant No. 5: Mr. Nilesh Parte, Advocate