(1.) Rule. Learned advocate Mr. M.M.Saiyed waives service of rule on behalf of contesting respondents.
(2.) Succinctly stated facts of the case are as under :-
(3.) Learned advocate Mr.M.M. Saiyed for respondent nos.1,3 and 4 at the outset referring judgment in the case of Shyam Sunder Sarma v/s. Pannalal Jaiswaland [2005 (1) SCC 436 : AIR 2005 SC 226] raised preliminary objection with regard to maintainability of the petition under Article 227 of the Constitution of India inter-alia on the ground that dismissal of the application for condonation of delay would also dispose of the appeal on merits and as such judgment and order passed in application denying condonation of delay would amount to decree. Further contention is raised that if condonation of delay is denied for first appeal, judgement and order passed therein has force of decree and thus is amenable for challenge in Second Appeal.