The High Court of Karnataka has called for the speedy resolution of matrimonial cases to aid in the rebuilding of lives. In a recent judgment, Justice Krishna S Dixit expressed agreement with the notion that matrimonial cases should be tried and resolved quickly, considering the brevity of human life. The court’s statement came during the hearing of a petition by a man seeking the dissolution or nullity of his marriage, which had been ongoing since 2016.
The petitioner’s advocate argued that Article 21 of the Indian Constitution recognizes the right to speedy justice as a fundamental guarantee. Justice Dixit concurred with this argument, emphasizing that the delay in resolving matrimonial cases significantly impacts the parties involved. To address this issue, Justice Dixit suggested that courts strive to dispose of such cases within a maximum timeframe of one year, allowing the parties to move on and rebuild their lives.
Citing the historian Thomas Carlyle, the High Court stated, Life is too short to be little. The court emphasized that the lengthy resolution of matrimonial cases hampers the individuals involved and requires no further explanation. In light of this, the High Court ordered a family court to resolve a seven-year-old case within three months. Additionally, the court instructed the Registrar General to circulate the judgment among all relevant circles to prevent similar litigants from approaching the court seeking expedited resolution of their cases.
The High Court’s call for the speedy resolution of matrimonial cases reflects a recognition of the impact such cases have on individuals’ lives. By urging courts to expedite the process, the aim is to mitigate the harm caused and enable the parties involved to move forward. This move aligns with the recognition of the right to speedy justice as a constitutional guarantee and emphasizes the importance of considering the shortness of human life.
