In a continuation of its earlier directive, the Supreme Court on Friday called upon all High Courts to submit detailed reports indicating the dates on which judgments were pronounced and subsequently uploaded on their official portals.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh ordered:
"The Registrar Generals of all High Courts are directed to submit a further report giving full description of the dates of pronouncement of judgments and the dates when such judgments are uploaded."

This directive builds on an earlier order requiring High Courts to provide data on cases where judgments remain pending despite having been reserved on or before January 31, 2025.

During the hearing of the present case, the petitioner’s counsel highlighted that a judgment reserved by the Allahabad High Court in July 2024 has not yet been delivered. The matter relates to a challenge against an October 2023 order, where the High Court had heard extensive arguments on whether an appellate authority has the power to review its own decision. “We have been left high and dry,” the counsel submitted.

Justice Kant, however, noted that a similar report had already been sought from the High Courts in another matter and questioned the necessity of a separate petition. The counsel responded that the current petition had been filed before the earlier order was passed.

The bench then ordered that the present matter be tagged with the earlier one and reiterated the request for comprehensive information from High Courts regarding judgment pronouncements. Additionally, it urged the concerned judge of the Allahabad High Court to examine the petitioner’s grievance and take appropriate remedial action.

Case Title: M/S Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd vs High Court of Judicature at Allahabad