#costs in litigation

The Karnataka High Court has imposed ₹10,000 costs on a husband for filing a delayed amendment to his divorce petition, four years after the case began, emphasizing that procedural delays cannot be compensated by substantive relief alone. This ruling reinforces judicial discipline in matrimonial litigation and warns against tactical use of amendment provisions to reframe allegations at a late stage.

Bombay High Court rules that a guardianship appointment under the Guardians and Wards Act 1890 is void if obtained through fraudulent marriage or suppression of material facts, such as the ward's mental incapacity. The judgment reinforces the duty of utmost good faith in guardianship proceedings, impacting family law and property disputes involving vulnerable adults.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that non-payment of costs ordered under Section 35B of the CPC is a valid ground for striking off a defendant’s defence, reinforcing that compliance with cost orders is mandatory, not discretionary. This decision underscores the judiciary’s intolerance for dilatory tactics and ensures procedural discipline in civil litigation.

Bombay HC reaffirms that judicial records are conclusive and binding; parties must first seek correction from the same bench before approaching higher courts. The ruling underscores the limited scope for challenging courtroom conduct observations via writ petitions, reinforcing procedural discipline in litigation.

Andhra Pradesh High Court mandates Rs. 5,000 costs with 6% interest from the date of appearance for claimants in motor accident appeals, even if the appeal is withdrawn. The ruling reinforces social justice under the Motor Vehicles Act by ensuring financial relief for victims regardless of procedural abandonment by appellants.

Bombay High Court holds that delay in filing interim applications may be condoned with costs, reinforcing procedural fairness and access to justice in writ proceedings.

The Kerala High Court dismisses a review petition for attempting to re-litigate costs imposed for filing frivolous Section 8 petitions, reinforcing procedural discipline in litigation.