The Supreme Court on Tuesday took note of delays in the hearing of a high-value commercial matter pending before the Allahabad High Court, where ₹362 crore has remained blocked for over three years. Appearing for the petitioner, counsel submitted that despite a specific direction of the High Court to list the case within the top ten matters from September 4, the case has not been taken up for hearing.

Highlighting the urgency, it was argued that the continued delay defeats the very purpose of such listing directions. The Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also engaged with broader concerns regarding pendency in the Allahabad High Court, particularly in bail matters, noting systemic delays in disposal. During the exchange, the Court discussed procedural practices, including the filing of counters and adjournments, which contribute to delays in final disposal.

Without expressing any opinion on the merits of the dispute, the Supreme Court disposed of the matter with liberty to the petitioner to move an appropriate application before the High Court seeking urgent hearing.

“Without expressing any opinion… liberty is granted to move an application before the High Court for urgent hearing.”

The case pertains to issues arising from the cancellation of a lease after a prolonged period, with the petitioner stressing the financial and operational impact of continued delay.