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2016 DIGILAW 1543 (PAT)

Meena Devi v. State of Bihar

2016-11-23

HEMANT GUPTA, VIKASH JAIN

body2016
Hemant Gupta, ACJ. – Re: I.A. No. 1957 of 2015 This application is for condonation of delay of 25 days in filing the Miscellaneous Appeal. 2. For the reasons mentioned in the Interlocutory application, we are satisfied that the appellants have shown sufficient cause to seek condonation of delay of 25 days in filing the present Miscellaneous Appeal. 3. Consequently, Interlocutory Application No. 1957 of 2015 is allowed and delay of 25 days in filing the Miscellaneous Appeal is condoned. Re.: M.A. No. 70 of 2015 4. The challenge in the present appeal is to an order passed by the learned Single Bench on 17.12.2014 whereby, the contempt application filed by the appellant was dismissed on account of bar of limitation. 5. The husband of the appellant no.1 died on 26.09.1995. The appellant claimed appointment on compassionate ground by way of a writ petition filed in the year 2003. The same was allowed on 17.03.2004 when the matter was remitted back to the authorities to reconsider the claim of the appellant no.1 for appointment on compassionate ground within a period of three months. 6. Since the question of appointment was not considered, the appellant filed a contempt application in the year 2014 which has been dismissed in view of the Section 20 of the Contempt of Court Act, 1971 that is on account of bar of limitation. 7. We find that the appellant no.1 is not entitled to any indulgence. Firstly, the appellant no.1 lost her husband in the year 1995, but filed the writ petition eight years later. Secondly, the appellant no. 1 invoked the contempt jurisdiction after ten years of passing of the order by the learned Single Bench. It is a case of contemptuous delay which does not warrant consideration of appointment on compassionate ground. 8. The appointment on compassionate ground is granted to meet the immediate financial stringency faced by the family. After more than 21 years, it cannot be said that the appellant continues to be in financial stringency warranting consideration of appointment on compassionate ground. 9. We do not find any merit in the present appeal. Accordingly, the same is dismissed.