Delhi High Court PA/SPA typing test online

The present petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a direction to the respondents to consider the representation of the petitioner for regularisation of his services. When the matter was taken up today, learned counsel for the respondents submitted that a counter affidavit could not be filed within the time granted on the last date, as the record of the case was required to be obtained from the regional office. He prayed for a short adjournment and assured the Court that the counter affidavit would be filed within two weeks. Learned counsel for the petitioner opposed the request and submitted that the matter has already been adjourned on two earlier occasions at the instance of the respondents, and that the petitioner, who is due to retire shortly, continues to suffer on account of the delay. It was further submitted that the representation of the petitioner has been pending for more than three years without any decision. Having heard learned counsel for the parties, this Court is of the view that the respondents ought to have taken steps to file their reply within the time granted. However, in the interest of justice, and to enable the Court to decide the matter on the basis of the complete record, one final opportunity is granted to the respondents to file the counter affidavit within two weeks from today, subject to payment of costs of five thousand rupees to the petitioner. The rejoinder, if any, may be filed within two weeks thereafter. It is made clear that no further time shall be granted for this purpose, and in case the counter affidavit is not filed within the time now allowed, the right of the respondents to file the same shall stand closed without any further order. In the meantime, the respondents shall also consider the pending representation of the petitioner in accordance with law and pass a reasoned order, a copy of which shall be placed on record before the next date of hearing. The concerned officer shall remain present in Court on the next date along with the original record, in case the order on the representation has not been passed by then. List the matter for further hearing on the date to be notified by the Registry. A copy of this order be given to learned counsel for the parties under the signature of the Court Master for compliance. Before parting with the matter, it is necessary to observe that delay in filing pleadings by public authorities has become a matter of serious concern. A large number of petitions remain pending only because the reply of the department is not filed in time, even though the facts of the case are entirely within the knowledge of the department and the record is in its own possession. Such delay not only increases the burden on the Court but also causes hardship to employees and citizens who approach the Court for relief in matters concerning their livelihood. The concerned Secretary is therefore requested to issue suitable instructions to all officers dealing with court cases, so that replies are prepared and filed within the time granted by the Court, and so that the officer who is responsible for any delay is identified. A copy of this order shall also be sent to the concerned Secretary for information and necessary action. The Registry shall ensure that the matter is listed on the next date along with the report of compliance, if any, received from the respondents.