Supreme Court Rebukes Government Over Litigation Delays: An Ethical Breach of the 'Model Litigant' Role
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The Supreme Court has criticized the government's practice of filing delayed appeals without valid reasons, labeling it an 'ethical breach.' The court emphasized that as a model litigant, the state must ensure administrative accountability and prevent the wastage of public resources.
The Supreme Court of India recently delivered a stern critique of the government’s recurring practice of filing "condonation of delay" applications in litigation without sufficient or valid justifications. The Court characterized this behavior as an "ethical breach" of the state’s duty to act as a "model litigant." This observation underscores a significant gap between the theoretical principles of governance and the practical conduct of state departments in the legal arena.
A "model litigant" is expected to conduct legal proceedings fairly, avoid unnecessary litigation, and adhere strictly to procedural timelines. However, the Supreme Court noted that government departments often file appeals long after the limitation period has expired, citing vague administrative reasons. Such delays are not merely procedural lapses; they represent a systemic failure in administrative accountability. The Court emphasized that this practice leads to a colossal wastage of public funds and judicial time, both of which are scarce resources.
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