Sumit Bhatia v. Nidhi Bhatia

CRM-M-18192-2025 (O&M) - 1IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-18192-2025(O&M) Decided on : 03.04.2025 SUMIT BHATIA . . . Petitioner(s)

Versus

NIDHI BHATIA . . . Respondent(s) CORAM: HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE KIRTI SINGH PRESENT: Mr. Vishal Garg Narwana, Advocate, Mr. Khsuhwant Saharan, Advocate, Mr. Arishdeep Mraad, Advocate, Ms. Chetna Rao, Advocate and Ms. Deepika Chaudhary, Advocate for the petitioner(s).

**** KIRTI SINGH , J. (Oral) 1.

Present petition under Section 528 of BNSS, 2023, has been filed for issuance of direction to learned Sessions Court, Chandigarh, to expeditiously decide Criminal Appeal No. CRA/291/2022, titled "Sumit Bhatia vs. Nidhi Bhatia", which was filed against the order dated 19.09.2022 passed by the learned Judicial Magistrate First Class, Chandigarh in Case No.COMP DV Act 241/2021. 2.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the marriage between the petitioner and the respondent was solemnized on 29.01.2005, and out of the wedlock two daughters were born, who are currently studying in 12th and 10th standard. On 09.06.2021, the respondent left the matrimonial home following a physical altercation with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, and that, both daughters are in the care and custody of the petitioner, who has taken full KAVITA NAIN 2025.04.05 12:10 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document order/judgment

CRM-M-18192-2025 (O&M) - 2responsibility for their care and financial expenses. The respondent subsequently filed a complaint under Section 12 read with Sections 18 to 22 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, wherein an order dated 19.09.2022 of interim maintenance to the tune of RS.25,000/- per month was passed, aggrieved from which, the petitioner filed an appeal bearing CRA/291/2022 titled "Sumit Bhatia Vs. Nidhi Bhatia" before the learned Sessions Judge. However, the petitioner submits that the appeal has been pending since 2022, with several adjournments and delays in the proceedings. The petitioner places reliance on the zimni orders passed during this time, emphasizing the prolonged delay in the adjudication of the appeal, which has caused undue hardship. 3.

The limited prayer in this petition is for the speedy disposal of the aforementioned appeal, which has been pending for a considerable period. 4.

In view of the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, this Court deems it appropriate to direct the learned trial court to decide the appeal expeditiously, preferably within six months.

5.

The present petition stands disposed of.

Pending application(s), if any, also stands disposed of accordingly. (KIRTI SINGH) 03.04.2025 JUDGE Kavita Nain Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether Reportable:

Yes/No KAVITA NAIN 2025.04.05 12:10 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document order/judgment