Calcutta HC Dismisses Petition Due to Delay and Lack of Diligence; Covid-19 Argument Rejected for Time-Barred Case.

The HC of Calcutta dismissed the writ petition challenging the Revisional Authority's order due to the petitioners' lack of diligence and significant delay in approaching the Writ Court. The petitioners failed to contest the revisional application, which was deemed time-barred, and did not provide a valid explanation for the delay in filing the writ petition. The Court rejected the petitioners' Covid-19-related delay argument and emphasized the necessity of vigilance in legal proceedings. The decision highlighted the expectation for parties, especially large companies, to actively protect their legal rights.

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Issues: Challenge to impugned order of Revisional Authority for dismissal of revisional application on grounds of being time-barred and lack of contestation. Delay in approaching the Writ Court post-receipt of impugned order.

Analysis:
1. Challenge to Impugned Order of Revisional Authority:
The petitioners contested the impugned order of the Revisional Authority dated 31st July, 2019, which dismissed their revisional application. The reasons for dismissal included the application being time-barred and the petitioners failing to contest the case despite multiple adjournments. The High Court noted the lack of diligence on the part of the petitioners in protecting their rights both before the Revisional Authority and the Writ Court. The Court emphasized the importance of being vigilant over one's rights in legal proceedings.

2. Delay in Approaching the Writ Court:
The petitioners filed the writ petition on 8th April, 2022, challenging an order received on 8th August, 2019, within a week of its issuance. The Court found the delay in approaching the Writ Court without a cogent explanation unacceptable. The petitioners' argument citing Covid-19 as a reason for delay was rejected since the impugned order was received before the Covid-19 period, and the Court had been functioning normally for over six months. The Court highlighted that being a big company with substantial transactions, the petitioners were expected to have a team of professionals handling their legal affairs.

3. Equity and Diligence in Legal Proceedings:
The Court emphasized that the Writ Court is a court of equity meant for those who are diligent and vigilant in safeguarding their rights. The petitioners' attempt to use excuses such as being a layperson from a remote village was dismissed as an attempt to take advantage of the situation. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the writ petition was dismissed on the grounds of inordinate delay without any valid reasons provided by the petitioners.

In conclusion, the High Court of Calcutta dismissed the writ petition challenging the impugned order of the Revisional Authority due to the petitioners' lack of diligence, delay in approaching the Writ Court, and failure to provide a valid explanation for the delay. The judgment underscored the importance of being vigilant and proactive in legal proceedings to protect one's rights effectively.

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