VIJAYA LAXMI Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) It is regrettable that the time limits set by this Court for disposal of disputes are ordinarily violated by the bureaucratic apparatus and this case is no exception for the same.

(2.) While disposing of W.P.No.24974/2011 on 29-11-2011, this Court has directed respondent No.3 herein to finalise and dispose of the appeals/arbitration applications of the petitioners within a period of four months from the date of receipt of a copy of the order, irrespective of whether the awards are modified or not by the National Highways Authority of India. Even though more than one year had lapsed after the expiry of the time limit set by this Court, respondent No.3 has failed to complete the proceedings.

(3.) When the petitioners filed the present Writ Petition, this Court has prima facie felt that respondent No.3 failed to comply with the time limit set by this Court and has issued notice to show cause why contempt proceedings shall not be initiated against him. Respondent No.3 filed a counter-affidavit wherein he has sought to give justifications for non disposal of the cases. He has however assured that the case stands posted to 20-4-2013 and that hearing will be completed on that day.