1( 2026:HHC:6973 ) IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA CMPMO No.101 of 2026 Date of Decision : 11.03.2026 Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board & another ...Petitioners Versus Kanta Devi & ors ...Respondents Coram: The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Romesh Verma. Judge. Whether approved for reporting?1 For the petitioner : Ms. Sunita Sharma, Sr Advocate with Mr. Abhishek Rana, Advocate. For the respondents : None Romesh Verma, Judge(oral) The petitioners have approached this Court assailing order as passed by the learned Civil Judge, Arki, District Solan dated 29.07.2025, whereby the evidence of the defendants was ordered to be closed. 2. The record reveals that on 28.3.2023, the case was listed for the evidence of the defendants on 20.7.2023, on self responsibility. Thereafter again on 20.7.2023, time was granted to the defendants to produce the evidence on self responsibility. Thereafter the case was listed on 2.12.2023, 1 Whether reporters of Local Papers may be allowed to see the judgment? 2( 2026:HHC:6973 ) 27.4.2024,8.8.2024,11.11.2024, 18.2.2025, 30.4.2025 and finally on 29.07.2025 the learned Civil Judge Arki, District Solan closed the evidence of the defendants. 3. Perusal of the record reveals that ample opportunities were granted to the defendants/petitioners to lead evidence but they have failed to do so. This Court finds no error in the orders passed by the learned Civil Judge, Arki, District Solan. However, in the attending facts and circumstances of the case, one last and final opportunity is granted to the petitioners/defendants to lead their evidence on self responsibility. 4. Consequently, one opportunity is granted to the defendants/petitioners to lead their evidence and this shall be the last and final opportunity, which shall be afforded to the petitioners, subject to payment of costs of Rs.10,000/-to the respondents/plaintiffs. 5. It is ordered that the learned trial Court shall take up the matter on 25.03.2026 and thereafter she shall issue notices to both the parties and thereafter on the next date of hearing, the present petitioners shall pay the cost of Rs.10,000/- to the plaintiffs/respondents and lead evidence, failing which impugned order dated 29.7.2025 shall revive. 3( 2026:HHC:6973 ) 6. In view of above, present petition stands disposed off. Pending application(s), if any, also stands disposed of. (Romesh Verma), Judge 11.03.2026 (veena)