Case Name / Reference: Special Leave to Appeal (Civil) Nos.21063‑21064/2026 and Criminal SLP No.10985/2026.
Court / Authority: Supreme Court of India.
Order / Judgment Date: Order dated 09‑06‑2026 (digitally signed by Ms. Neha Gupta); hearing held on 08‑06‑2026.
Impugned Judgment: High Court of Calcutta, Circuit Bench at Jalpaiguri, judgment and order dated 22‑05‑2026 (FMAT No.4/2026, CAN No.1/2026).
Period of Dispute: Not specified in the order.
Parties Involved
Petitioner: Mukesh Kumar Agarwal.
Respondents: Merico Tea Estates Limited & Others.
Counsel for Respondents: Mr. Bikramaditya Ghosh, Mr. Chandrashekhar A. Chakalabbi, Mr. Jatin Kumar, Ms. Rashmi Kumari, Mr. Kunal Mimani, Mr. Parag Chaturvedi, Mr. Mranal Prajapati (all of Dharmaprabhas Law Associates).
Advocate‑on‑Record (AOR): Mr. Krishna Ballabh Thakur (accepted notice on behalf of all respondents).
Bench: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manmohan and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vijay Bishnoi.
Issues / Allegations / Violations
Petitioners sought Special Leave to Appeal against the High Court’s May 22, 2026 judgment favoring the respondents.
The petition also included a request for exemption from filing certain documents (C/C of the impugned judgment and O.T.).
A related criminal SLP (No.10985/2026) was filed and tagged along with the civil SLPs.
Findings & Observations
The Court accepted notice on behalf of the respondents through AOR Mr. Krishna Ballabh Thakur.
No substantive merits of the appeal were discussed; the order primarily addresses procedural directions and interim relief.
Penalties / Settlements / Directions
Stay Order: A stay was imposed on the impugned High Court judgment and order dated 22‑May‑2026.
Document Filing: Respondents must place a counter‑affidavit on record within four weeks from the date of the order.
Rejoinder: Any rejoinder affidavit, if filed, must be submitted before the next hearing date.
Adjournment: Both learned counsels assured the Court that they will adjourn the civil suit pending between the parties.
Corrective Actions & Future Obligations
Respondents are required to file the counter‑affidavit within the stipulated four‑week period.
Rejoinder affidavit, if any, to be filed before the next scheduled hearing.
The civil suit between the parties must be adjourned as directed.
The matter is listed for further hearing and disposal on 03‑08‑2026.
Final Ruling & Enforcement
The Supreme Court stayed the High Court’s May 22, 2026 judgment pending final disposal of the SLPs.
Procedural compliance (counter‑affidavit, possible rejoinder, adjournment of civil suit) is mandatory.
The case will be heard again on 03‑08‑2026, where further orders may be issued.
