Ramachandran Pilla vs Rohini

Pius C. Kuriakose, J.—This Original Petition has been filed under Article 227 of the Constitution by the petitioner who is the husband of the respondent seeking early disposal of Ext. P1 filed by him and Ext. P2 filed by his wife before the Family Court, Kollam. On considering this Original Petition for admission we directed the Registrar (Judicial) to get in touch with the Presiding Officer, Family Court, Kollam so as to learn from him as to when at the earliest it will be possible for the Family Court to dispose of Exts. P1 and P2. Accordingly the Registrar (Judicial) after contacting the Presiding Officer of Family Court, Kollam has submitted a report. The report is to the effect that the two cases now stand posted for objections on 03/01/2013. Once the objections are filed parties will have to be sent for counseling and pre-trial steps will have to be taken. According to the Presiding Officer at least six months'' time will be necessary for finally disposing of the two petitions after the objections are filed. It is also pointed out that the Presiding Officer is on the verge of transfer and a new Presiding Officer will be taking charge shortly.

Having regard to what is reported to us, we are inclined to dispose of this Original Petition at this stage itself in the following terms:-

The Presiding Officer of the Family Court, Kollam is directed to pass peremptory orders on Exts. P1 and P2 regarding filing of objections, counseling and taking up of pre-trial steps. The learned Presiding Officer will dispose of Exts. P1 and P2 in accordance with law within two months of the two cases becoming ripe for trial.