JSW STEEL LIMITED Vs. USHA RANI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The question for consideration is whether the petitioner, a respondent in a reference under Sec. 18 in L.A.C. No.10/2012 on the file of the Senior Civil Judge and JMFC, Kudligi [for short, 'the reference Court'] must be extended another opportunity to crossexamine PW.1. The learned counsel for the petitioner and, Sri.Mahesh Wodeyar, the learned counsel who accepts notice for private respondents, are heard with their consent for final disposal.

(2.) It transpires from the impugned order that the petitioner has not cross-examined the respondents' witness PW.1 despite repeated opportunities, and insofar as the cause shown for not cross-examining the witnesses on earlier occasions, the petitioner has offered no reason. However, in the interest of justice and to enable effective adjudication without protraction, this Court must opine that the petitioner must have another opportunity to cross-examine the witness as that would enable a decision on merits.

(3.) The learned counsel for the petitioner is categorical that if the witness is present on the next date of hearing before the reference Court, the witness would be cross-examined on behalf of the petitioner. The learned counsels for the parties also submit that the reference is directed to be listed before the reference Court on 21/2/2022.