IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA CWJC No.12176 of 2009 CHANDRA BHUSHAN SINHA Versus THE STATE OF BIHAR & ORS ----------- 4. 8.10.2009 Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and the State. The petitioner in this writ application questions an order of punishment dated 14.8.1999 visiting him with orders for recovery of Rs. 93,520.70 paise, stoppage of promotion for three years and that he shall not be assigned any duties in the works department. The original writ application does not contain any explanation for the much belated challenge to the impugned order before this Court on 10.9.2009 in the present application. The order sheet of the case shows that two adjournments were taken by the petitioner on 14.9.2009 and 15.9.2009 to seek further instruction. A supplementary affidavit has been filed today on behalf of the petitioner. Paragraph 23 of the same states that ever since 1999 both he and his wife have been suffering from several problems and they became depressed and therefore they could not approach the Court in time, that the grounds were therefore reasonable to explain the delay. This Court is satisfied that not only is the explanation sought to be furnished in a supplementary affidavit a mere after thought, but is also not cogent, 2 convincing and satisfactory to entertain the application belatedly. This view of the delay and laches on part of the petitioner being taken by the Court is further reinforced by the nature of the minor punishment imposed upon the petitioner. The writ application is dismissed on the ground of delay and laches. P. Kumar (Navin Sinha, J.)