JODHPUR, June 7 -- Emphasising on the balance between timely justice and fair trial, the Rajasthan high court on Thursday observed that while justice delayed is justice denied, at the same time, justice hurried is justice buried. Justice Arun Monga made the observation while hearing a writ petition filed by Mahipal Singh, a Sirohi-based shopkeeper, challenging an order passed by the senior civil judge, Sirohi, on September 3, 2022, which had closed his evidence in a civil suit. The original suit was filed by Kundan Mal, who claimed ownership of a shop located within the government hospital premises at Varada, Sirohi, asserting that it was first rented to the petitioner's father in 2001 and then to the petitioner himself in 2013. After alleging non-payment of rent and refusal to vacate the shop despite legal notice, the respondent sought a declaration of ownership and recovery of profits worth Rs.22,500. In response, the petitioner denied the respondent's ownership and called the ownership document "forged and fabricated," asserting that he had built the shop himself and was in possession for over 12 years. During the evidence stage, the petitioner submitted an enquiry report dated August 19, 2019, obtained from the Zila Parishad, stating that no document had been issued to the respondent. The trial court allowed this to be taken on record. However, before this could materialise, the trial court closed the petitioner's and respondent's rebuttal evidence, citing delays. Challenging this closure, counsel for the petitioner argued that the high court had stayed the trial proceedings in a related writ petition on September 8, 2022 - five days after the trial court's impugned order. Accepting these arguments, Justice Monga noted that while procedural delays should be discouraged, they must not compromise the core of justice. "Without proper evidence being adduced before the trial court, the adjudication on the issues involved may result in erroneous findings. Justice hurried is justice buried," the court said. Granting relief, it allowed one last opportunity to the petitioner to produce his witness. It also made it clear that "no further opportunity shall be granted."...