In a significant administrative move, the Gujarat High Court has issued a formal notice regarding the impending destruction of certain judicial records spanning from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2022. This action is in accordance with the provisions outlined in Chapter XV, Rules 162 to 169A(I) and (II) of the Gujarat High Court Rules, 1993. The court has advised all concerned parties and advocates to collect necessary copies or original documents before the stipulated deadlines to prevent any loss of important legal materials.
Scope of Records Scheduled for Destruction
The records identified for destruction include papers from Appellate or Original Side Stamp Numbered main matters, along with their Interlocutory Applications (I.As.), which were disposed of during the specified period. Specifically, this encompasses cases that were refused registration, rejected, dismissed for defaults, or withdrawn before admission to the Register. These documents are currently stored in the Record Room of the Decree Department/BB Section and are deemed no longer necessary for preservation under the applicable rules.
Responsibilities and Risks for Parties Involved
The High Court has explicitly stated that parties leave documents and papers with the records of such cases at their own risk. Consequently, they bear full responsibility for any destruction carried out in accordance with the rules. This underscores the importance for parties and their legal representatives to take proactive measures in retrieving any documents they may require in the future.
Procedure for Retrieval of Documents
To facilitate the retrieval process, the court has provided a window from April 15, 2025, to April 30, 2025, during which parties or their advocates can submit physical applications in the prescribed format. These applications should be directed to the Chamber of Mrs. Dipti S. Chauhan, Assistant Registrar/Court Master of the Decree Department. Applicants may request Certified Copies, Simple Copies, or Original Papers, provided these are not mandated for preservation. It is imperative to note that no applications will be accepted or entertained after this period.
Deadline for Collection of Requested Documents
Once the application is submitted and processed, the requested copies or original documents must be collected on or before May 9, 2025. Failure to do so will result in the permanent destruction of the records, as the court will proceed with the scheduled disposal after this date. This finality emphasizes the urgency for parties to act within the given timeframe to safeguard their interests.
Implications for Legal Practitioners and Litigants
The destruction of judicial records is a routine administrative procedure aimed at managing the vast volume of documents handled by the courts. However, it carries significant implications for legal practitioners and litigants who may require access to these records for various purposes, including appeals, references, or personal records. The current notice serves as a crucial reminder for all stakeholders to remain vigilant about such administrative actions and to ensure timely retrieval of necessary documents.
Conclusion
The Gujarat High Court's announcement regarding the destruction of judicial records from 2015 to 2022 is a procedural necessity governed by established rules. Nevertheless, it places the onus on parties and their legal representatives to act promptly in retrieving any documents they may need. Adherence to the specified deadlines is essential to prevent the irreversible loss of potentially important legal materials. This development underscores the broader need for efficient record management and proactive engagement by all parties involved in the legal process.
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