1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY, NAGPUR BENCH, NAGPUR C.A.No.675 of 2007 in L.P.A. St. No.301 of 2007 in W.P. No.137 of 2006 (Decided) -= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Office Notes, Memoranda of Coram, appearances, Court's orders or directions : Court's or Judge's orders and Registrar's orders. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- =- CORAM : D.D.Sinha and A.B.Chaudhari, JJ. DATE : February 12, 2007. Heard Mr. R.B.Puranik, learned counsel for the Applicant, Mr. M.V.Mohokar, Counsel for the Respondent No. 1 and Mr.Fulzele, Assistant Government Pleader for the Respondent No.2. Civil Application No. 675 of 2007 is moved by the appellant for condonation of delay in filing the Letters Patent Appeal. Counsel for the respondent no.1 opposes the application on the ground that no sufficient cause is shown for condonation of delay and in absence thereof, the request for condonation of delay may not be granted. Considered the contentions canvassed by the 2 respective counsel. Perused the application. It is nodoubt true that condoning delay is not an empty formality. However, we cannot lose sight of the fact that the rights of the parties normally are required to be decided on merits unless the delay is inordinate, totally unexplained and without any justification, which would disentitle the claim of the parties on the ground of delay and laches. In the instant case, for the reasons stated in the application, delay is condoned. The application is allowed. Place the matter after three weeks for admission. JUDGE JUDGE ssj