1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CIVIL APPLICATION NO.219 OF 2009 IN L.P.A. NO.276 OF 2009 IN WRIT PETITION NO.3904 OF 2008 The Deputy Secretary Rural Development and Water Conservation Department, Mantralaya, Mumbai 32 and Ors. – .. Applicants Vs. Shri Housiram Ramkrishna Ugale .. Respondent Mr.A.P.Vanarse, A.G.P. for the applicants Mr.Ameya Tamhane for the respondent CORAM : J. N. Patel, Acting C.J. & S.C.Dharmadhikari, J. DATE : June 21, 2010 P.C. : 1. Heard. 2. The learned A.G.P. submits that the applicant has been sincerely following up the matter and there is numerous correspondence at all levels, the procedural formalities had caused the delay. 2 3. The delay has not been explained by good and sufficient reasons except for administrative exigency and nothing has been spelt out why it took such a long time for the applicant to take a decision in the matter, except that there was numerous correspondence. 4. The applicant should improve its machinery and should deal with the matters pertaining to courts with due diligence. In the given facts and circumstances, we are inclined to condone the delay but subject to cost which we quantify as Rs.1500/- to be paid to the respondent within a period of 2 weeks. It will be open for the State to recover the amount from the official/officials who are responsible for the delay. 5. Civil application stands disposed of accordingly. Appeal be listed in due course. ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE S.C. DHARMADHIKARI, J