Chennai, Feb 10 (IANS): Justice G.R. Swaminathan of the Madras High Court's Madurai bench is on a mission to clear long-pending civil cases and has requested the advocates to cooperate in his endeavour.

He has set himself a goal to clear 445-second appeals that are pending before the Madurai bench of the Madras High court within 58 days.

A judgment passed by an appellate civil court in the first appeal can be challenged by way of a second appeal before the High Court, which only have the jurisdiction to hear the second appeal.

Justice Swaminathan, in a mail to all the advocates practicing in the Madurai bench, requested their support and assistance to clear the pending back log of cases

After the change of roster on Monday, Justice Swaminathan was given the task to hear the second appeals pending from 2010 to 2014 and he will be hearing this till April 30, 2022.

The judge, in his message to the advocates, said that he has 58 working days from February 7 to April 30, to clear 445 pending second appeals of 2010, and wishes to dispose them by this date.

He called upon the advocates to argue the cases in an effective manner from now onwards and not to press for adjournments, adding that he would not allow any adjournments and even pass overs. He called upon the advocates to be ready when the case was being taken up.

The judge also clarified that his focus was to clear the second appeals of 2010 and requested the advocates not to make a request listing for second appeals of the subsequent years.

He also informed the advocates that while there were some delays in issuing order copies on time during earlier days, he would ensure that order copies are issued within seven days from the the day of judgment.

The judge also issued further instructions to the counsel to facilitate speedy disposal of the cases and also called upon suggestions from lawyers.