SANTHI RAMAKRISHNAN Vs. INSPECTOR GENERAL OF REGISTRATION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE Appeal is filed challenging the order of the Inspector General of Registration, the first respondent, rejecting the Appeal on the ground of limitation. THE document in question relates to a sale dated 28.12.2001. On 2.3.2004 a notice was issued pursuant to the reference under Section 47-A of the Stamps and on 8.3.2004, Objections were given. According to the appellant no order was passed. On an Application filed under the Right to Information Act a reply was given by the Revenue District Officer (Stamps), Chennai dated 23.11.2007 enclosing the order dated 19.3.2004 passed by the 2nd respondent, the Deputy Collector of Stamps. On receipt of the same, on 10.12.2007, an Appeal was filed to the first respondent which was rejected on 15.2.2008 stating that there is a delay and therefore the Appeal is not maintainable.

(2.) THE respondents were put on notice and appeared through Mr. S. Muthian, Government Advocate. On verification and instruction, he submitted that the impugned order rejecting the Appeal was passed because of the delay in filing the Appeal against the second respondent-s order. It is not disputed that the communication of the order of the Deputy Collector Stamps was not made in the manner specified under the Rules.

(3.) IN view of the earlier order passed in the batch of writ petitions, which squarely applies to the facts of the present case, the impugned order is set aside and the matter is remitted to the first respondent to decide the appeal on merits. The appeal is allowed as above. No costs. Consequently the connected M.P.No.3 of 2008 is closed.