Pandit Sheshrao Jagatap v. The State Of Maharashtra Through The Collector Jalna And ORS.

2025:BHC-AUG:16059 1 993 ca 4697.24

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

BENCH AT AURANGABAD 993 CIVIL APPLICATION NO. 4697 OF 2024 IN FIRST APPEAL STAMP NO. 2446 OF 2024 Pandit Sheshrao Jagtap .. Applicant

Versus

The State of Maharashtra and others .. Respondents Shri S. M. Kakde, Advocate for the Applicant. Shri D. B. Bhange, Advocate for the Respondent Nos. 1 and 3. CORAM : SHAILESH P. BRAHME, J.

DATE : 24TH JUNE, 2025.

FINAL ORDER :

.

Heard learned counsel for the applicant and the learned Assistant Government Pleader for the respondent Nos. 1 and 3. 2.

This application is for condonation of delay of 1710 days caused in preferring first appeal for enhancement of the compensation. The application has been opposed by respondent Nos. 1 and 3 by filing affidavit in reply.

3.

Applicant is the claimant whose lands are acquired by the respondent/acquiring body. For enhancement of compensation she has preferred appeal, wherein there is delay. Applicant is relying on paragraph Nos. 2 to 10 of the application for condonation of delay. Learned counsel for the applicant submits

2 993 ca 4697.24 that delay is not intentional and there are no malafides on the part of the applicant in preferring the appeal belatedly. 4.

Learned A. G. P. would rely on the affidavit in reply to oppose the application for condonation of delay. He would submit that there is no sufficient explanation and the applicant would not be entitled to the interest even for the delayed period and, therefore, her application needs to be rejected. 5.

Having considered rival submissions of the parties, I find that there is no material on record to indicate that the delay caused in preferring appeal is deliberate and there are any malafides on the part of the applicant in preferring appeal belatedly. Applicant is the agriculturist, who lost her lands and she is praying for enhancement of compensation. She is ready to forego interest and statutory benefits for the delayed period. Besides that, I find that there is considerable delay on her part in soliciting first order from this Court after filing of the appeal as well as application for condonation of delay. These lapses are attributable to her and for which it would be unreasonable to award her interest and statutory benefits. Interest of justice would be sub served by depriving the applicant 50% of the interest and statutory benefit for her lapses. 6.

For the reasons mentioned above, the civil application is allowed in terms of prayer clause 'A' on condition that the applicant would not be entitled to interest and statutory benefits

3 993 ca 4697.24 for the delayed period as well as 50% of the interest and statutory benefits for the lapses that is from the date of filing of appeal as well as civil application till the date of passing of first order. Office shall register the first appeal. The civil application is disposed of.

[ SHAILESH P. BRAHME J. ] bsb/June 25