ASHOK KUMAR vs STATE OF BIHAR .

The Supreme Court held that the High Court erred in dismissing the writ petition on the grounds of delay and laches, as the appellant had filed a representation against the State Government's decision in 1996, which justified the delay in filing the writ petition. The Court emphasized that the pendency of the review/representation should be considered a valid reason for the delay. Consequently, the Supreme Court set aside the High Court's orders and restored the writ petition for a decision on merits.