SAMSUDDIN & ANR vs UNION OF INDIA

Judgment text excerpt

* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI % Reserved on : 01.04.2026 Pronounced on : 20.04.2026 Uploaded on : 20.04.2026 + FAO 441/2019 SAMSUDDIN & ANR. .....Appellants Through: Mr. Rajan Sood, Ms. Ashima Sood, Ms. Megha Sood, Advocates versus UNION OF INDIA .....Respondent Through: Ms. Pratima N. Lakra, CGSC with Ms. Uparita S and Mr. Shalendra Mishra, Advocates CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE MANOJ KUMAR OHRI JUDGMENT CM APPL. 48962/2019 (seeking condonation of delay of 316 days in filing the appeal) 1. By way of the present application, the applicants/ appellants seek condonation of delay of 316 days in filing the present appeal. 2. Learned counsel for the appellant submits that the appellant belongs to an economically weaker section and, due to paucity of funds, was unable to get in contact with a counsel and obtain timely legal advice. 3. It is noteworthy that in “Mohsina vs. Union of India1”, a Co-ordinate Bench of this Court condoned a delay of 804 days in filing the appeal, taking into account the weak economic condition of the appellant/ claimant. 1 (2017) SCC OnLine Del 10003 Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:NIJAMUDDEEN ANSARI FAO 441/2019 Page 1 of 7 Signing Date:20.04.2026 19:03:01 4. Considering the peculiar facts and circumstances of the present case, and guided by the principle laid down in the aforesaid decision, as well as the beneficial nature of the concerned legislation, this Court finds that the appellant has been able to show sufficient cause for the delay in filing the present appeal. 5. In view of the aforesaid, the application is allowed and the delay of 316 days in filing the appeal is condoned. 6. The application is disposed of accordingly. FAO 441/2019 1. The present appeal has been filed under Section 23 of the Railway Claims Tribunal A