The Karnataka High Court on Thursday expressed serious concern about the functioning of the Bengaluru Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
Justice Suraj Govindaraj flagged repeated complaints regarding delays by the NCLT in uploading orders, irregular sittings and passing orders without hearing parties.
"We are getting a lot of issues about NCLT. Orders are not uploaded, sittings are not being conducted, by 12 o’clock it is over, and orders are being passed without hearing,” the Court said.
The observations were made during the hearing of a matter arising under the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) framework, when an advocate informed the court that orders were not being uploaded promptly.
Taking note of the submission, the Court remarked that similar concerns had repeatedly arisen regarding the NCLT.
Therefore, it directed Additional Solicitor General Aravind Kamath to look into the grievances.
"We will ask Additional Solicitor General Aravind Kamath to look into it," the judge said.
Responding to the court, ASG Kamath submitted that he would speak to the Deputy Registrar of the tribunal regarding the complaints.
However, the Court noted that assurances had been given earlier as well and that the problems appeared to persist. The bench observed that while uploading of orders improved after previous interventions, delays continued to persist.
“Last time also you had given that assurance and then orders started being uploaded. But now uploading is taking place after three months. Orders are being passed without notice. If orders are not uploaded, the appellate remedy cannot be availed," the Court said.
Kamath then assured the bench that he would once again take up the matter with the Deputy Registrar of the NCLT.