Authority: Supreme Court of India, Civil Appellate Jurisdiction; Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice M.M. Sundresh and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Prasanna B. Varela
Order Date: 29 September 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Union of India & Ors. (appellant) vs. Chuaukung & Ors. (respondents), who are poor villagers/landowners awaiting compensation under a supplementary award for nearly seventeen years.
- The appeal challenges the judgment and final order dated 15 October 2025 of the Gauhati High Court, Aizawl Bench (IA No. 52/2025, W.A. No. 5 of 2025) which dismissed an application for condonation of a 583‑day delay in filing the writ appeal.
- The writ appeal involves substantial questions regarding liability to pay compensation under the supplementary award; the High Court limited its consideration to the delay and did not examine the merits.
- The Supreme Court observed that, despite the unexplained delay, issues of fact and law arise that warrant a merits‑based hearing, and that respondents have been deprived of benefits due to the delay.
Final Outcome
- The Supreme Court set aside the High Court’s order dated 15‑10‑2025.
- The 583‑day delay in filing the writ appeal is condoned, subject to the appellant paying Rs 10,000 (Rupees Ten Thousand only) to each respondent within six weeks of receipt of the order.
- The writ appeal is restored to its original number and shall be considered by the Division Bench of the Gauhati High Court on its merits, in accordance with law.
- The appeal is allowed in the above terms, and any pending applications, if any, are disposed of.
Topics: Legal Procedure, Compensation Award