EXECUTIVE ENGINEER Vs. BHIKABAI SITARAM KHODKE AND OTHERS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard learned counsel for the applicants - appellants.

(2.) The applicants - appellants have moved these applications seeking extension of time to deposit the amount for the reasons set out in detail in the respective applications.

(3.) In brief, it is the contention of learned counsel for the applicants that by order dated 19.11.2019 passed in the respective appeals, this Court has granted stay to the execution and implementation of awards under challenge with condition that the applicants shall deposit 80% of the amount together with interest within twelve weeks from the date of order. Since after the order passed in the matter, the applicants - acquiring body was pursuing the matter before the State Government for release of the funds. Since the amount was not received, extension of time was sought to deposit the amount. Accordingly, time was extended by further eight weeks vide order dated 14.2.2020. The time to deposit the amount in terms of order dated 14.2.2020 was due to expire on 15.4.2020. Since the lockdown was declared all over the country in the month of March, 2020 and remained in operation till 31.5.2020, the applicants could not deposit the amount nor approach the Court for extension of time to deposit the amount.