The Deputy Chief Officer, M.I.D.C., Jalna v. Ramlal Gotiram Lad And ORS

1 927-CA-9658-19

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

BENCH AT AURANGABAD 927 CIVIL APPLICATION NO. 9658 OF 2019 IN FAST/23959/2019 THE DEPUTY CHIEF OFFICER, M.I.D.C., JALNA

VERSUS

RAMLAL GOTIRAM LAD AND ORS ...

Advocate for Applicant : Mr. Shrirang S. Dande AGP for Respondents No. 4 and 5 : Mr. S.N. Morampalle ...

CORAM : K.K. SONAWANE, J.

DATED : 13th FEBRUARY, 2020.

ORDER :- 1.

Heard learned counsel for the applicant - Acquiring Body and learned AGP for respondents No. 4 and 5. Despite service of notice, no one else appeared on behalf of respondents No. 1 to 3 - original claimants.

2.

The applicant - Acquiring Body moved the present application for condonation of delay in filing the first appeal against impugned Judgment and Award passed by the learned Reference Court in Land Acquisition References filed under section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. According to learned counsel for the applicant-Acquiring Body, impugned Judgment and Award passed by the Reference Court is erroneous, illegal and is not as per the provisions of Land Acquisition Act, 1894. Applicant is Body corporate having its independent entity. After procuring the funds for court fees appeal came to be filed, however, there is delay in filing the appeals. According to learned counsel for applicant, delay so caused is not intentional or deliberate, but caused due to compliance of official process. The public interest is involved into the matter.

3.

The learned AGP for respondents-State Authorities submits that there is inordinate delay, which has not been explained satisfactorily, therefore, the same cannot be condoned and prayed for rejection of application.

2 927-CA-9658-19 4.

Despite service of notice, no one else appeared on behalf of respondents No. 1 to 3 - original claimants, therefore, there is no opportunity to hear them.

5.

I have given anxious consideration to the submission of both learned counsel. Considering the nature of the subject-matter and reasons mentioned in the application, I do not find any impediment to allow the application for condonation of delay. The public interest is involved into the matter. 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. Therefore, it is imperative to grant some sort of latitude to the applicant - Acquiring Body to present an appeal by condoning the delay. It would not cause any prejudice or injustice to the respondent. In contrast, it would sub-serve the purpose of substantial justice. Hence, the applications for condonation of delay deserve to be allowed. In sequel, the applications stand allowed in terms of prayer clause (A). Delay caused in filing appeal against the impugned Judgment and Award is hereby condoned. Registry to take requisite steps for registration of appeal. Civil application stands disposed of accordingly. 6.

On registration of appeal, issue notice to the respondents. Learned AGP waives service of notice for respondents-State Authorities.

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

8. List the appeal for admission in due course. Sd/- [ K. K. SONAWANE ] JUDGE MTK