CHENNAI — The Madras High Court has expressed serious concern over prolonged delays by government departments in filing appeals against adverse court rulings, particularly in matters involving significant public interest. The court has directed the state’s Chief Secretary to initiate a vigilance inquiry to determine whether such lapses stem from negligence or possible collusion.
The direction came from a division bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan while dismissing a petition filed by the Greater Chennai Corporation seeking condonation of a 1,421-day delay in challenging a single judge’s ruling in a land dispute involving Kannammal Education Trust.
The civic body attributed the delay to the unavailability of the 2021 order within its office and the revenue department’s delay in providing relevant land records. However, the bench held that the explanations offered did not constitute sufficient cause for condoning such an extensive delay. Consequently, the court rejected both the condonation plea and the appeal at the preliminary stage.
Observing a recurring pattern of belated filings accompanied by what it termed “lame excuses,” the bench remarked that such conduct either reflects gross administrative negligence or suggests possible connivance with opposing parties. It emphasised that in cases involving substantial stakes for the state, authorities are expected to act with diligence and accountability.
The court further directed that instances where appeals were not filed within a reasonable timeframe should be discreetly examined by the vigilance department to ascertain responsibility. The ruling underscores the judiciary’s growing concern over procedural lapses that could potentially compromise public interest litigation and government accountability.