Bombay High Court Rebukes Magistrate for Dowry Harassment Trial Delays

The Bombay High Court criticized a Navi Mumbai magistrate for failing to expedite a dowry harassment trial as directed in 2021. Justices A S Gadkari and Neela Gokhale questioned her commitment to her judicial duties, deeming her excuses 'feeble.' The case will now be reviewed by the high court's administrative committee.

The Bombay High Court has issued a strong reprimand to a magistrate in Navi Mumbai for not adhering to its 2021 order to expedite a dowry harassment trial. The court lambasted the magistrate's excuses for delay as 'feeble.'

A division bench consisting of Justices A S Gadkari and Neela Gokhale, in an order issued on August 9, noted that the magistrate had shown scant regard for the high court's directives, suggesting a lack of seriousness in handling her judicial responsibilities.

In its order, the high court directed that the magistrate's report and other documents related to the case be forwarded to the court's administrative committee for further action.

(With inputs from agencies.)