In a setback for Habib Bank Limited, the Sindh High Court has upheld a lower court’s decision to prevent the bank from filing a key legal document in a civil suit. The ruling underscores the court’s firm stance on procedural deadlines and could have significant implications for the ongoing litigation.
The case revolves around a civil suit filed against Habib Bank and others, where the bank failed to submit a written statement within the stipulated time frame. The Additional Registrar, a court official, initially granted the bank time to file the statement, and subsequently granted two extensions. However, when the bank missed the final deadline, they were barred from submitting the document.
Habib Bank challenged this decision, arguing that they had been denied a fair hearing due to technicalities. Their legal team, led by Mr. Ahmar, contended that the bank had faced “unavoidable circumstances” and “non-availability of officers” that prevented them from meeting the deadlines.
However, the High Court, comprising Justices Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro and Muhammad Osman Ali Hadi, was unsympathetic to these arguments. In their judgment, the justices emphasized that the bank had been given multiple opportunities to comply with the court’s directives.
“We have reviewed the record,” Justice Kalhoro stated, “Four times, the bank was granted time. Four times. And yet…nothing. Excuses about ‘unavoidable circumstances’? ‘Non-availability of officers’? We’re talking about Habib Bank Limited, not some corner store!”
The court also noted that the opposing counsel, Mr. Memon, had argued that the rules were in place to ensure fairness and prevent delays.
Ultimately, the High Court sided with the original decision, dismissing Habib Bank’s appeal. The ruling means that Habib Bank will be unable to present its written defense in the civil suit, potentially weakening its position in the ongoing litigation.
The case highlights the importance of adhering to court procedures and deadlines, even for large financial institutions. The decision could serve as a precedent for future cases, signaling a stricter approach to procedural compliance in the Sindh High Court.
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