Application For Anti-Date On The Ground Of Urgency
An Application for Anti-Date on the Ground of Urgency is moved before a competent court when a party seeks permission to place a matter before the Court before its ordinary or scheduled date due to pressing and exceptional circumstances. This application is generally filed where any delay may cause irreparable loss, miscarriage of justice, violation of rights, or defeat the very purpose of the main proceedings.
Courts are vested with inherent powers to regulate their proceedings and, in appropriate cases, may entertain urgent matters by granting an anti-date (preponed hearing). Such applications are commonly moved in matters involving immediate relief, imminent threats, enforcement of fundamental rights, stay matters, injunctions, arrests, demolitions, or time-sensitive issues.
The grant of an anti-date is discretionary and depends upon the urgency, bona fide conduct of the applicant, and the nature of harm likely to occur if the matter is not heard immediately.
Legal Provisions / Law Applicable
There is no specific provision in CPC or Cr.P.C. titled “Anti-Date”; however, such applications are legally maintainable under the following provisions and principles:
1. Section 151, Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
Enables the Court to pass any order necessary for the ends of justice or to prevent abuse of the process of the Court. (Inherent powers of the Court)
2. Article 37(d) of the Constitution of Pakistan
Supports expeditious disposal of matters where delay would defeat justice. (Speedy justice)
3. Rules of High Court / Civil Courts Rules
Administrative and procedural powers regarding fixation of cases.
4. In Criminal Matters
Such applications may also be entertained under:
- Section 561-A Cr.P.C. (inherent powers of High Court), or
- General judicial discretion of the Court.
Keypoints
- Anti-date applications should be short, factual, and urgency-focused.
- Supporting documents (orders, notices, threats, official letters) strengthen urgency.
- Courts discourage casual anti-date requests; misuse may attract adverse remarks.
Application For Anti-Date Format
The format of the application for anti-date is given below:
IN THE COURT OF __________ SENIOR CIVIL JUDGE AT KARACHI DISTRICT ___________
CIVIL SUIT NO: ____ OF 20____
ABC————————————————— Plaintiff
V E R S U S
XYZ—————————————————- Defendant
Application For Anti-Date On The Ground Of Urgency
It is most respectfully prayed on behalf of the Plaintiff or Defendant (your party should be mentioned), above named, that this Honourable Court may very kindly be pleased to allow the instant application and fix the above matter for hearing today i.e. dated _______________ on urgent basis, on the ground that the undersigned counsel intends to submit an Application for Recalling of Order dated _______________ as well as an Application for Suspension of Order dated ______________, which are required to be heard urgently.
That the Plaintiff has obtained the order dated _____________ by playing fraud upon this Honourable Court, and in pursuance thereof, this Honourable Court has issued a warrant of arrest against the Defendant without affording a proper opportunity of hearing.
There is a serious and genuine apprehension that, due to the mala fide conduct of the Plaintiff, the Defendant may be arrested at any moment, thereby causing irreparable loss and grave prejudice, without being allowed to show cause against such arrest.
That the instant application is made bona fide, in the interest of justice, and to prevent abuse of the process of the Court.
In view of the above circumstances, it is most humbly prayed that this Honourable Court may graciously be pleased to grant the instant application and fix the above matter for hearing today i.e., ______________, in the larger and paramount interest of justice.
Prayed Accordingly.
KARACHI
DATED: _________________
ADVOCATE FOR PLAINTIFF OR DEFENDANT
Disclaimer
The format and information provided above are for educational and reference purposes only. They are intended to offer general guidance on legal drafting and procedure and should not be treated as legal advice. Each case depends on its own specific facts, applicable law, and court practice; therefore, users are advised to modify the format according to their particular circumstances and seek professional legal advice as necessary.