Can a writ appeal be dismissed for non-prosecution due to non-appearance of the appellant or counsel?

Reaffirms the High Court’s inherent power to dismiss appeals for non-prosecution; binding procedural precedent for litigants and practitioners

 

Summary

Category Data
Case Name WA(MD)/73/2015 of R.Thirukumar, Vs THE SUB-REGISTRAR, CNR HCMD010884932015
Date of Registration 06-02-2015
Decision Date 10-08-2023
Disposal Nature Dismissed for non-prosecution
Judgment Author Dr. Anita Sumanth, J.
Court Madras High Court, Madurai Bench
Bench Dr. Justice Anita Sumanth; Mr. Justice R. Vijayakumar
Concurring Judges Mr. Justice R. Vijayakumar

What’s New / What Lawyers Should Note

  • Emphasises that repeated non-appearance of the appellant or their counsel on listing dates justifies dismissal for non-prosecution in writ appeals.

Summary of Legal Reasoning

  1. On 21.07.2023 the appeal was called and the appellant was absent; matter was directed to be listed ‘for dismissal.’
  2. Though counsel entered appearance on 24.07.2023, the appellant remained unrepresented on the final hearing date.
  3. Exercising its inherent power under the Letters Patent procedure, the Court dismissed the writ appeal for non-prosecution due to non-appearance.

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