ORDER
The subject matter of this Application is substantially similar to the one in C.A.No.367/2022 in Co.P.No.214/2012 between SANTOSH KUMAR vs. KINGFISHER AIRLINES LTD., disposed off on 11.01.2023 wherein at paragraph 2 it is observed as under:
"2. It is stated at the Bar that ordinarily, application for condoning delay are favorably considered by the Company Courts subject to all just exceptions into which the argued case of the applicant does not fit. More prejudice would be caused than otherwise, should delay be not condoned more particularly when the claimant happens to be the workman who is otherwise placed in a protective condition under Section 529 of the Companies Act, 1956 on pari passu basis."
2. Learned counsel for the Applicant submits and this Court agrees with that once relief is granted to a litigant, the same needs to be extended to other similarly circumstanced litigants in the absence of any repugnant factors warranting an otherwise decision. This is consistent with the doctrine of equality & parity of treatment.
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3. The Applicant has offered a plausible explanation for the delay in submitting his claim petition to the Official Liquidator. If that delay is not condoned in the circumstances of the case, a great injustice would be caused to the applicant. Conversely, if delay is condoned, the same would not add to the merits of the claim and thus no prejudice would be caused to anyone. This apart, it is not that if the claim Petition was filed in time, it would have been disposed off. Learned counsel appearing for the Official Liquidator submits that till date, the adjudication of the claims of others has also not taken place.
In view of the above, this Application succeeds. The delay of 935 days in filing the claim petition is condoned. The Official Liquidator is directed to consider the claim petition on merits and in accordance with law.
Sd/-
JUDGE
Bsv