(1.) There is a delay of 346 days in filing the present appeal.
(2.) The appellant is employer of respondent No. 1. It is contended that the appellant belongs to low- income strata of the society and though, the impugned order had been passed on 9/9/2022, but he received the copy only on 17/5/2023. Immediately, thereafter, he contacted his counsel to inquire about the further legal recourse. According to him, the delay in the aforesaid background is not intentional or mala fide.
(3.) Though, the application has been opposed by the respondent No. 1, keeping in mind the fact that the endeavour of the Court should be to decide the matter on merits in order to do substantial justice and the technicalities should not be permitted to govern the outcome of any such appeal, the delay is, hereby, condoned. FAO 279/2023