The court examined a writ petition filed by a husband seeking directions for the expeditious disposal of pending matrimonial proceedings instituted under Section 12 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, for mutual separation. The proceedings, instituted on May 9, 2025, remained pending with the trial court as of September 2026. The petitioner alleged mental harassment and dissatisfaction with the prolonged pendency, approximated at one year and three months.
The court referred to Sub-section (1) of Section 21-B of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, which mandates that trials be continued from day to day to ensure expeditious disposal, unless adjournment beyond the next day is necessary for justice. While acknowledging the legal mandate for speedy trials, the court held that it was not appropriate at this stage to prescribe a strict specific time limit for the disposal of the case.
The order directed the learned Principal Judge, Family Court, Janjgir-Champa to make all endeavours to proceed with the matter expeditiously and conclude it at the earliest opportunity. It was further observed that unnecessary adjournments shall not be granted to either party. Crucially, the court made clear that it expressed no opinion on the merits of the matrimonial dispute, and the Family Court must proceed without being influenced by the observations made in this judgment. The writ petition was disposed of on these directions.