MADAN LAL vs STATE OF U.P. AND OTHERS.

The Supreme Court held that the appeal against the Forest Settlement Officer's order was valid despite the absence of a specific date in the petition, as it referred to 'orders' in plural. The Court ruled that the impugned order should be deemed to have been passed on April 24, 1956, when the Forest Department became aware of it, thus allowing the appeal to be considered timely. The Court emphasized the principle of fair play, stating that a party must have notice of an order affecting their rights, aligning with the provisions of Section 17 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.