In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has ordered the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to refund ₹164.91 crore (approximately $20 million USD) to Reliance Eminent Trading, highlighting the chronic delays in the Indian justice system. The court, comprising Justices J K Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar, drew on Charles Dickens' novel 'Bleak House' to illustrate the protracted nature of legal disputes, likening them to the fictional case of Jarndyce vs Jarndyce. The dispute originated from a 2007 auction for commercial plots in Jasola, New Delhi, where Reliance was the highest bidder. However, the deal collapsed after the DDA failed to complete the land acquisition process, leading to a lengthy legal battle. The Supreme Court criticized the DDA's defense as 'fanciful' and unnecessary for a full trial, asserting that the core issue of refund entitlement was clear. The court also stressed the need for a modernized litigation framework, advocating for summary judgment as a more efficient means of resolving disputes. In conclusion, the court directed the DDA to refund the amount with 7.5% interest per annum from the date of payment and allowed immediate withdrawal of ₹186 crore already deposited with the high court.