Delay in justice will lead to public losing trust in system: HC

KOCHI: The High Court has directed the government institutions with judicial powers to give judgements within 30 days after hearing the explanation in the proceedings including appeal and revision.

"If there is no order even after three months after the completion of the trial, the parties should be heard again. An order after six months will not stand. When the administration of justice is delayed, the society loses faith in the justice system," Justice PV Kunhikrishnan said.

"The authorities should check whether the delay affects the parties. The Chief Secretary should issue an order in this regard within one month. Public should be educated," the court added.

The order came in the plea of Mathew Philip, a resident of Kottayam's Muttuchira, against the Geology authorities' order to pay a fine of Rs 2.45 lakhs. He made appeals to the concerned officials, including the Principal Secretary of Industries, but there was no order. Then he v the High Court. The court quashed the order to pay the fine and directed the matter to be re-considered and a decision taken.