Bharat Singh Rawat v. Poonam Singh Rawat

Delhi High Court · 10 Aug 2020 · 2020:DHC:2501
Sanjeev Sachdeva
CM(M) 406/2020
2020:DHC:2501
family appeal_allowed

AI Summary

The Delhi High Court set aside the Trial Court's order for non-notice, directed joint hearing of matrimonial and guardianship petitions via video conferencing, and mandated legal aid for the unrepresented respondent.

Full Text
Translation output
CM(M) 406/2020 Page 1
HIGH COURT OF DELHI
JUDGMENT
delivered on: 10.08.2020
CM(M) 406/2020
BHARAT SINGH RAWAT ….. Petitioner
versus
POONAM SINGH RAWAT …..Respondent
Advocates who appeared in this case:
For the Petitioner: Petitioner in person.
For the Respondent: Respondent in person.
CORAM:-
HON’BLE MR JUSTICESANJEEV SACHDEVA
JUDGMENT
SANJEEV SACHDEVA, J. (ORAL)

1. The hearing was conducted through video conferencing.

2. Petitioner by this petition seeks a direction to the Trial Court to set aside order dated 27.06.2020 and a further direction to the Trial Court to also take up the petition filed under Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act through video conferencing along with the guardianship petition filed by the petitioner.

3. Respondent who is present in Court through video conferencing submits that she had no information about the hearing before the Trial Court and as such could not appear before the Trial Court on 2020:DHC:2501 CM(M) 406/2020 Page 2 27.06.2020. She, however, submits that she has no objection to the petitions being taken up by video conferencing. She submits that she does not have any advocate and cannot afford an advocate.

4. In view of the above, the petition is allowed. The Trial Court is directed to take up the petition filed under Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act along with the guardianship petition which is stated to be pending before the Trial Court and listed tomorrow.

5. In case a request is made by the respondent before the Trial Court, the Trial Court shall ensure that a legal aid counsel, if not already appointed, is provided to the respondent to defend her cases.

6. Respondent submits that since her children have to connect to school using the same video conferencing system, the Trial Court proceedings be taken up after lunch.

7. The Trial Court shall take due cognizance of the submission of the respondent and appropriately try and adjust the time for hearing of the petitions.

8. The petition is accordingly disposed of in the above terms.

9. Copy of the Order be uploaded on the High Court website and be also forwarded to learned counsels through email.

SANJEEV SACHDEVA, J. AUGUST 10, 2020