In an unusual development, a trial judge from West Bengal has refused to decide a case, saying the timeline set by the Supreme Court has expired.

Terming it as “uncommon”, the top court has directed the district judge of South 24 Parganas to call for an explanation of the judge concerned and report back to it within a month.

“He (the judge in question) has to state as to why and under what circumstances, he has reported that he has ceased to have jurisdiction over the matter and would not proceed any further thereof,” a bench led by Justice Pankaj Mithal said in its September 26 order.

This top court had on January 18, 2024, disposed of the criminal appeal with one of the directions that the Judicial Magistrate, 4th Court at Alipore, South 24 Parganas may dispose of the case within six

See Full Page