ORDER : 1. Leave granted. 2. Though there is a delay of 2602 days in the filing of the present appeals, in the interest of justice, we condone the said delay. 3. While hearing applications for vacating of the stay, it is jointly agreed that the present appeals may be disposed of with a direction that Rs.2,00,000/-(Rupees two lakhs only) will be paid along with interest at the rate of 6% per annum with effect from 06.11.1998 till the date of payment. 4. The impugned judgments will be treated as set aside in terms of the aforesaid direction. 5. We also request the High Court to take up the pending writ appeals for hearing expeditiously. While deciding the appeals, the High Court will not be influenced by the present order or the interim order passed by this Court on 18.11.2024. 6. Payment of Rs.2,00,000/-(Rupees two lakhs only) along with interest at the rate of 6% per annum will be made in terms of the order dated 18.11.2024. 7. The contempt proceedings shall remain in abeyance till the disposal of the writ appeals. 8. Recording the aforesaid, the appeals are disposed of. 9. Pending application(s), if any, shall stand disposed of.