GRAM PANCHAYAT KAKRAN vs ADDL DIRECTOR OF CONSOLIDATION

The Supreme Court addressed the application of Section 42 of the East Punjab Holdings (Consolidation and Prevention of Fragmentation) Act, 1948, regarding the reopening of repartition after a significant delay. The Court held that the provisions under Rule 18 of the East Punjab Holding (Consolidation and Prevention of Fragmentation) Rules, 1949, which impose a six-month limitation for filing applications, are applicable to orders made under the Act. The Court dismissed the appeal of the Gram Panchayat, affirming the decision of the Additional Director, Consolidation, allowing the second respondent's application for repartition despite the delay.