IN THE HIGH COURT OF BOMBAY AT GOA WRIT PETITION NO. 401 OF 2009 SHRI. JOAQUIM FILIPE AFONSO ALIAS FELIX AFONSO AND ANR., ... Petitioners Versus ANA PRAXEDES DA PIEDADE PINTO ALIAS ANITA PINTO ... Respondent Mr. Marvin D'souza, Advocate for the petitioners. Mr. A. F. Diniz, Advocate for the respondent. Coram:- U. D. SALVI, J. Date:- 3rd July, 2009 P.C. Heard. Perused the petition and annexures therewith. The matter rests on the issue of getting sufficient opportunity to cross-examine the witness of the plaintiff. The plaintiff/ respondent Anita Pinto is a 90 years old lady with unsound mind, who has been represented in the suit through next friend P.W.1 Zeena Fernandes. The suit was ordered to be disposed of on or before 30/06/2009 and the petitioners/ defendants was expected to complete the cross-examination of P.W.1 Zeena Fernandes on or before 22.06.2009 as per the order dated 12.06.2009 in W.P.43/2009. The order dated 12.06.2009 affording opportunity to the petitioners/defendants to cross-examine P.W.1 Zeena Fernandes was passed in order to move the Trial of the suit towards just end expeditiously. 2. It appears that for one reason or other, the Advocates representing the defendants deserted and the cross-examination of the P.W.1 Zeena Fernandes remained to be completed in time. Now, a statement has been made on behalf of the defendants that they would be appearing before the Trial Court on 06.07.2009 at the appointed time and would be concluding the cross-examination of P.W.1 Zeena Fernandes on or before 07.07.2009 and no adjournment would be sought by them on any ground or pretext. In view of this statement, there is no reason further to enquire into the reasons for untimely desertion by their Advocates. However, it must be remembered by the defendants that this further opportunity is the last opportunity given to them for cross-examination of P.W.1 Zeena Fernandes and they would be thankful to themselves if they do not avail of this opportunity. 3. It is further submitted on behalf of the respondent/ plaintiff that looking to the condition of the respondent/ plaintiff it would be just and proper to get the said suit decided within a given time schedule. There is no objection coming forth from the defendants to this suggestion. The petitioners/ defendants shall complete the cross-examination of P.W.1 Zeena Fernandes on or before 7.7.2009 subject to payment of costs of Rs.5,000/- as previously ordered and shall further pay the costs of Rs.2,000/-. The suit to be decided on or before 31.07.2009. The writ petition stands disposed of accordingly. U. D. SALVI, J. SMA