SC Orders Respondent to File Counter-Affidavits in Three Weeks; Stay Granted on Impugned Judgments

In 2002 (11) TMI 817 - SC Order, the SC, led by Justices Ruma Pal and B.N. Srikrishna, addressed procedural issues between the petitioner and respondent. The Court issued a notice, mandating the respondent to file counter-affidavits within three weeks, with the petitioner allowed a rejoinder in the same period. A stay was granted on the impugned judgments, and notice was issued for a special leave petition application. The case was scheduled for review in eight weeks, demonstrating the Court's focus on efficient procedural management.

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Court issued procedural directions in an interlocutory order. The Court commanded: "Issue notice," with respondents accepting service and undertaking to file counter-affidavits within three weeks; rejoinder, if any, to be filed within three weeks. The Court ordered a temporary "Stay of the impugned judgments, in the meanwhile." It also directed that notice be issued on the application for permission to file the special leave petition. The matter was "Post[ed] ... eight weeks hence." These steps reflect interlocutory relief preserving the status quo pending adjudication on the merits and adherence to a strict briefing schedule to ensure expedited consideration of the special leave petition application.

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