Only NCLT Allahabad Registry To Scrutinize Fresh Filings As Allahabad HC Stays Principal Bench's 'Joint Scrutiny' Order

The Allahabad High Court, on Thursday, stayed the notification/order of Registrar, NCLT Principal Bench, New Delhi, which sought joint scrutiny of petitions/ applications filed in NCLT Allahabad by NCLT Allahabad and the Principal Bench at New Delhi.

While granting the counsel for the Union of India 2 weeks' time to file a counter affidavit, the bench of Justice Saral Srivastava and Justice Garima Prashad permitted the Registry of NCLT Allahabad to conduct the scrutiny of petitions/applications filed at NCLT Allahabad only.

A writ petition was filed by the Company Law Bar Association, an association of members of lawyers practising before NCLT Allahabad, challenging the public notice dated 27th February, 2026, by which the Registrar of the Principal Bench at New Delhi had directed that the scrutiny of petitions/ applications filed at NCLT Allahabad will be jointly done by the Principal Bench and Allahabad Bench.

It was pleaded that as a result of this notice, the physical copies were being filed at Allahabad, whereas the online filing was done at the NCLT Principal Bench. It was argued that since February, the Registry of the Principal Bench had not cleared defects in the petitions/applications filed and had been continuously raising frivolous defects in any document filed.

It was argued that NCLT Allahabad was singled out in the order.

The earlier bench had sought instructions as to whether staff were available at NCLT Allahabad to scrutinise the petitions/applications filed there. In response, it was submitted that there was staff at NCLT Allahabad. Thereafter, the Court sought fresh instructions from the counsel for the Union of India.

Before the bench headed by Justice Srivastava, the ASGI submitted that the scrutiny was transferred to the Principal Bench based on complaints by the bar.

The Court observed that

"We are further, prima facie, of the view that if, on the request of members of the Bar, such a decision is taken by the Principal Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal, Delhi, it would defeat the very object of the Tribunal. Such action may disturb the purpose of establishing various Benches, as litigants falling within the jurisdiction of such Benches may either be deprived of justice or face delay in the administration of justice".

Accordingly, staying the notification, the Court directed the parties to exchange affidavits.

The matter is directed to be listed on 21.05.2026.

Counsel for Petitioner(s): Abhinav Gaur, Tanmay Sadh, Udai Chandani

Case title - Company Law Tribunal Bar Association vs. Union Of India And 2 Others

Click Here To Read/Download order