ORDER 1. Leave granted. 2. The appeal was not entertained by the Division Bench on the ground that there was a delay of 404 days. 3. Having heard the learned counsel for the parties, we set aside the order passed by the High court and remit the Writ Appeal for consideration on merits. 4. We request the High Court to expedite the hearing of the matter and dispose of the case preferably within a period of six months. As the delay of 404 days in filing the Writ Appeal has not been properly explained, the State of Assam is directed to pay cost of Rs.25,000/- to the respondent within a period of eight weeks. 5. The Appeal is disposed of.