IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA CWJC No.7424 of 2006 RAM EKBAL SINGH Versus THE STATE OF BIHAR & ORS ----------- 2. 22.4.2008 Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and the State. The petitioner was terminated from service on 18.1.1996. The appellate authority upheld the order of termination on 3.6.1998 which was communicated to the petitioner on 5.6.1998. The writ petition has then been filed on 22.6.2006. In the entire pleadings in the writ petition, there is no whisper of any suggestion with regard to any explanation for this delay. In the rejoinder to the counter affidavit, there is a half hearted attempt by pleading that the financial condition of the petitioner is very critical and due to the non- payment of subsistence allowance he was unable to face the departmental enquiry. What may have happened during the departmental enquiry is an entirely different matter. The question of delay in this case has arisen post the conclusion of the departmental enquiry. The writ application is barred by gross unexplained delay and laches.Service matters have an urgency for promptitude in pursuing for relief. Termination leads to appointment on arising vacancy. On appointments are based claims of seniority. To entertain this application at this belated stage shall have a cascading effect. The writ application is dismissed on the ground of delay and laches. S.Ali (Navin Sinha, J.) - 2 -