India, March 31 -- The Supreme Court has expressed displeasure over the absence of any representative from the Delhi government despite advance notice in a criminal matter, terming the situation "unfortunate" and directing that its order be placed before the law secretary to ensure proper representation in future.

A bench of justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan noted that "nobody was present on behalf of the respondent-State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi)" when the matter was taken up, even though notice had been duly served.

"The situation is unfortunate," the bench said.

Emphasising the need for accountability, the court directed that a copy of its order be communicated to the law secretary-cum-legal remembrancer of the Delhi gover...