Delays In Civil Trials: The Role Of Adjournments Under Order XVII-Insights From City Civil Courts, Madras
- IJLLR Journal
- Nov 9, 2025
- 2 min read
S. Milana, VIT School of Law, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
ABSTRACT
Access to justice is the gateway therefore true justice lies in the outcome. It is a well know fact on how justice delivery system works in India where providing access without timely disposal fails to fulfil its constitutional promise. The judiciary has lacked its timely disposal of suits especially civil suits in a prescribed time which is integral to ensure access to justice, yet in Indian courts justice is not hurried instead delayed and denied. Presumption among the general public in civil trials are of a view of prolong delays contributing in eroding the public confidence in the system. Among the other factors of delay, adjournments granted under order XVII of CPC, 1908 have not only been misused but been a significant cause of civil trail delay by undermining the intent of the statutory. The courts in practice rarely imposes the limitations of the amendment made in 19992 & 2002 and mandates cost imposition. This research focuses on how routine adjournments delay judicial proceedings, therby identifying gaps and inefficiencies The paper analyses the legal framework governing adjournment, judicial cases and by analysing select cases, data and reports. The problem of delays must be tackled and the existing justice system must work with strict measures. It also deals with doctrinal of order XVII and combines with case study from city civil court, madras to view on how adjournments contribute to delays and what reforms can be produced that restore fairness in trails without compromising efficiency. It focuses on reforms that can make a change, highlighting the need for stronger compliance with legal regulations, enhanced judicial responsibility, and policy measures to improve equity and effectiveness. In the end, the research highlights that prompt disposal is necessary to maintain both the essence of the law and the constitutional guarantee of justice.
Keywords: City civil, justice denied, delay,
