POPULAR JEWELLERS Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We have 10 expedited writ petitions listed before us and they are on board for considerable time. Since 11.30a.m. none of the advocates have appeared. After lunch only two advocates for the respondents are present. No request was made on behalf of any of the counsel for the petitioners for adjournment. We are, therefore, proceeding to hear the writ petition on merits on hearing the counsel for the respondent. This experience is repeating everyday.

(2.) One of us (Wad. J.) in Civil Revision No. 470 of 1983 voiced these difficulties in his order dated January 29, 1985. It was held :

(3.) The petitioners in this writ petition were running a shop at 37 Galiparanthe Wall, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, in the name and style of M/s popular Jewellers. They had insured the shop with respondent No.4 M/s. New India Assurance Company Limited, their insurance policy being No. 1518202969. It is claimed in the writ petition that during the 1984 riots, after the assassination of the then Prime Minister, the petitioners shop was gutted in fire, resulting into loss of jewellery, diamonds, furniture, fittings, air- conditioners, etc. of the value of about Rs. 2,61,300.00 . In this writ petition the petitioners have claimed the said amount from the Union of India and the Insurance Company.