(1.) This is an application by the appellant to excuse the delay of 182 days in presenting S.R. No. 1604 of 1924 (Civil Miscellaneous Appeal,) against the order of the Inspecting Officer of the Laccadives in Case No. 6 of 1923 of Agathi Island.
(2.) Mr. Padmanabha Pillai for the appellant contends that Section 5 of the Limitation Act applies to the case and the Court is entitled to consider the application on the merits Mr. Pocker for the respondents contends that the Limitation Act has not been extended to the Laccadive Islands.
(3.) The history of the Laccadive Islands is an interesting one. We are at present concerned with the four islands which are known as the southern group of islands and the Island of Minicoy which, are administered by the Collector of Malabar. It is-unnecessary to consider the history previous to the year 1792. A few passages from " A Short Account of the Laccadive Islands and Minicoy" by R.H. Hills, I.C.S. would be quite sufficient for the pupose of this case. In 1791 the Southern Islands passed, by the conquest of Cannanore, to the East India Co, along with other possessions of the Bibi ; and were further ceded with Tippu's entire possession in Malabar by the peace of Seringapatam, in 1792." It was determined, however, as a matter of policy and conciliatory of Mappilas in general to permit her to retain her possessions, provided she paid a tribute to the Honourable Company.