The Court was hearing a petition alleging that a case filed under Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 was pending before the Sub-Divisional Officer, Sadar, District Kanpur Nagar, for a prolonged period without any orders.
In response, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) said that hearing of the case could not be held between July 1 and July 21 as he was busy with administrative work. The Court was not impressed with the explanation.
It emphasised that if judicial functions are conferred upon administrative officers, they must dispose of their judicial work first before taking up any administrative duties.
The Court directed the SDM to decide the case expeditiously by hearing the matter 3 days each week. The officer has been directed to apprise the Court about the status of proceedings on September 15.