UNION OF INDIA Vs. HEMANT KUMAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This hearing has been done through video conferencing.

(2.) The present petition has been filed challenging the impugned order dtd. 29/9/2021 in No. ND.36(29) 2021PADYC titled the Under Secretary (Admin), Ministry of Ayush v. Sh. Hemant Kumar passed by the Appellate Authority constituted under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, New Delhi (hereinafter the "Appellate Authority"). By the impugned order, the Appellate Authority has dismissed the appeal filed by the Petitioner herein under Sec. 7(7) of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 (hereinafter "Act") on the ground that the appeal was barred by limitation.

(3.) Mr. Gogna, ld. CGSC submits that in view of the pandemic, the orders of the Supreme Court dtd. 23/9/2021 in Suo Moto Writ (Civil) No. 3 of 2020 titled In Re: Cognizance for Extension of Limitation, extending the limitation period, would apply even to the proceedings under the Act. Accordingly, he prays that the Appellate Authority be directed to hear the appeal on merits.