"Callous & Casual Attitude Of State Towards Proceedings" : High Court Slams Kerala Govt For Not Filing Counter-Affidavit

The recent High Court order criticized the State Government's careless approach towards court proceedings. The Court expressed frustration over a pending Writ petition from 2018 challenging the Government's nationalization of the Ernakulam-Muvattupuzha route, highlighting the lack of a response from the State. \r

Despite repeated adjournments sought by the Government pleader to file a counter affidavit, none has been submitted. The Court demanded the Principal Secretary of the Transport Department to appear with relevant records, but she failed to do so, offering an explanation later. \r

Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh strongly condemned the State's attitude, stating it undermines justice and disrespects the High Court. The Court warned of contempt proceedings against the Transport department's officer-in-charge if the records were not produced on the next posting day and imposed a Rs. 50,000 cost if the counter was not filed by then. \r

The case is scheduled for the next hearing on 04.07.2014.