CR No. 2915 of 2010 1 In the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh. CR No. 2915 of 2010 (O&M) Date of Decision: 26.11.2010 Sat Pal ....Petitioner Versus Balkar Singh and others ....Respondents. Coram:- Hon'ble Mr. Justice Alok Singh 1.Whether reporters of local news papers may be allowed to see judgement ? 2. To be referred to reporters or not ? 3. Whether the judgement should be reported in the Digest ? Present: Mr. Sandeep Chhabra, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. P.N. Makani, Advocate for the respondent. ... Alok Singh, J.(Oral) Present petition is filed challenging the order dated 12.8.2009, passed by the Additional District Judge, Karnal whereby application seeking condonation of delay in filing the first appeal was dismissed. The suit of the plaintiff was dismissed by judgement and decree dated 30.8.2007, however, appeal therefrom was filed on 16.4.2008 stating that Mr. R.S. Mann, Advocate was counsel for the plaintiff – appellant, who was confined to bed because of serious illness, hence, plaintiff could not contact him for taking advice to file appeal. The trial Court having CR No. 2915 of 2010 2 observed that proceedings of the case show that Mr. P.S. Mann, Advocate was appearing on behalf of the plaintiff, hence, plea regarding the illness of Mr. R.S. Mann, Advocate, does not inspire confidence. Undisputedly, Mr. R.S. Mann, Advocate is the father and Mr. P.S. Mann, Advocate, is the son. It might be that the son Mr. P.S. Mann, who was engaged as junior counsel with the father, was appearing, but the fact remains that Mr. R.S. Mann, Advocate, who was confined to bed due to serious illness and ultimately died and the plaintiff – appellant might not have taken good advice to file appeal, hence delay was caused in filing the appeal. Keeping in view the golden rule that no one should be given walk-over and the lis, as far as possible, should be decided on its own merits after granting sufficient opportunities to both the parties, I direct that the delay in filing the appeal be condoned on payment of Rs.10,000/- as costs. Appeal is allowed. Delay in filing the appeal is condoned. Petitioner – appellant shall pay Rs.10,000/- as costs to the respondent on or before the next date of hearing fixed before the Appellate Court. Parties are directed to appear before the Appellate Court on 15.12.2010. The Appellate Court shall decide the case on merits, preferably within one year from 15.12.2010. ( Alok Singh ) Judge 26.11.2010 sk.