MP High Court Orders Transfer of 13-Year-Old Civil Suit from Sidhi Court
A single-judge bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken strong action against judicial delays. On January 13, 2026, Justice Vivek Jain ordered the principal district judge of Sidhi to transfer a long-pending civil suit to another court. The case has dragged on for thirteen years, highlighting serious concerns about judicial discipline.
Judge Ignores High Court Directive, Sparks Outrage
The High Court expressed clear surprise and disappointment at the conduct of a civil judge in Sidhi district. Despite a specific directive to dispose of the case within six weeks, the judge posted it for a final hearing after seven weeks. This delay prompted Justice Jain to question the judge's motives.
The court observed in its order that the trial court made no effort to comply with the timeline. Justice Jain noted that such actions could be seen as a show of defiance or taking offence to the High Court's authority. He emphasized that this behavior creates a negative impression among litigants, signaling a breakdown in judicial hierarchy and discipline.
Administrative Action and Transfer Ordered
Justice Jain directed that copies of the High Court order be sent to key judicial authorities for administrative review. These include the district judge of Sidhi, the district judge in charge of inspections for Sidhi, and the portfolio judge of the High Court for Sidhi. The bench stressed the need for accountability in this matter.
The case originated from a petition filed by Rajrakhan Singh, who has since passed away. Justice Jain pointed out that if the civil judge lacked time to hear the case within the six-week limit, the principal district judge should have transferred it to another judge. However, the district judge rejected the litigant's application for transfer, compounding the issue.
Reasons for Delay and Final Arguments
The trial court justified its delay by citing the presiding officer's additional responsibilities. The officer serves as the in-charge chief judicial magistrate and handles the Juvenile Justice Board. Due to these duties, the court claimed it could not decide the suit within six weeks, hence the seven-week schedule.
Justice Jain dismissed this reasoning, noting that the suit was already thirteen years old. The trial court had refused to hear final arguments for the last two years. Even on January 8, 2026, the next hearing was set for February 3, 2026, further delaying the process.
Looking at such an attitude, Justice Jain stated that the presiding officer is clearly unable to decide the suit promptly. He concluded that this was a fit case for the principal district judge to assign the matter to another judge with available judicial time. The High Court's order aims to ensure timely justice and uphold judicial integrity in Madhya Pradesh.
