SAJNA DEVI vs UNION OF INDIA

Judgment text excerpt

* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI % Reserved on : 11.03.2026 Pronounced on : 18.03.2026 Uploaded on : 18.03.2026 + FAO 326/2019 SAJNA DEVI .....Appellant Through: Mr. Rajan Sood, Advocate. versus UNION OF INDIA .....Respondent Through: Mr. Mukul Singh, CGSC for UOI with Mr.Aryan Dhaka, Advocate. CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE MANOJ KUMAR OHRI JUDGMENT CM APPL. 36379/2019 (Seeking condonation of delay of 459 days in filingthe accompanying appeal) 1. By way of the present application, the applicant/ appellant seeks condonation of delay of 459 days in filing the appeal. 2. Learned counsel for the appellant submits that after the passing of the judgment dated 12.01.2018, the appellant was unable to file the appeal within the prescribed time. It is further submitted 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 1 (2017) SCC OnLine Del 10003 Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:NIJAMUDDEEN ANSARI FAO 326/2019 Page 1 of 7 Signing Date:18.03.2026 17:57:15 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. 4. Considering the 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. Accordingly, the application is allowed and the delay of 459 days in filing the appeal is condoned. 6. The application is disposed of in the above terms. FAO 326/2019 1. The pr