The State Of Mah Thr Collector And ANR v. Ramkishan Bankatlal Punpale

1 17-CA-4637-12

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

BENCH AT AURANGABAD 17 CIVIL APPLICATION NO. 4637 OF 2012 IN FAST/6815/2012 THE STATE OF MAH THR COLLECTOR AND ANR

VERSUS

RAMKISHAN BANKATLAL PUNPALE ...

Advocate for Applicants : Mr. B.V. Virdhe ...

CORAM : K.K. SONAWANE, J.

DATED : 11th JANUARY, 2018.

Order :- 1.

Heard learned AGP for applicant-State. Despite service of notice no appearance has been caused on behalf of respondent-original claimant.

2.

This application is moved for condonation of delay in filing First appeal against impugned judgment and order passed by the learned Reference Court in Land Acquisition References filed under section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. According to learned AGP the delay caused in filing the appeal is not intentional or deliberate but it caused due to compliance of official procedure as well as budgetary allocation for court fees and other expenses. Therefore, learned AGP prays for condonation of delay in the interest of justice. 3.

Despite service of notice no one else appeared behalf of respondent-original claimant, hence, there is no opportunity to hear him.

4.

Perused the record and proceedings as well as relevant documents produced on record. Admittedly, the applicant/appellant is the Government authority. The applicant is intending to file appeal against impugned judgment and award passed by the learned Reference Court under section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1984. According to learned AGP, exorbitant market value came to be granted

2 17-CA-4637-12 by the learned Reference Court for the land under acquisition. In such circumstances, it would be justifiable to provide reasonable opportunity to the Government Authorities to ventilate their grievances to the Appellate Forum for redressal. It is settled law that liberal and pragmatic approach is essential to be adopted by avoiding pedantic approach while dealing with the application for consideration of delay. In view of attending circumstances, it is also imperative to grant some sort of latitude in favour of applicant being Government for compliance of documentary formalities. In case, delay is not condoned, no one individual would be affected, but the public funds are at stake. Hence, I do not find any impediment to condone the delay. It would not cause any prejudice or injustice to the respondent.

In contrast, it would subserve the purpose for substantial justice. Hence, the application for condonation of delay deserve to be allowed. In sequel, the application stands allowed in terms of prayer clause (B). Delay caused in filing appeal against the impugned Judgment and Award is hereby condoned. Registry to take requisite steps for registration of appeal. The civil application is allowed in above terms and stand disposed of. 5.

On registration of appeal, issue notice to the respondentoriginal claimant. 6.

Meanwhile, call for record and proceedings from the concerned learned Reference Court.

8.

List the appeal for admission in due course.

[ K. K. SONAWANE ] JUDGE MTK.