Ranchi, July 15: The Jharkhand High Court has dismissed a state government appeal filed with a delay of 559 days, observing that routine administrative procedures such as movement of files and departmental approvals cannot be accepted as valid reasons for missing statutory deadlines.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao and Justice Rajesh Shankar rejected both the state’s application seeking condonation of the delay and the appeal itself.
The court emphasized that government departments are expected to adhere to legal timelines and cannot justify prolonged delays by citing internal bureaucratic processes.
The case pertains to an Anganwadi worker from Chandanpur block in Deoghar district, who was appointed in 2007 through the Gram Sabha.
She was removed from service in October 2016 after the administration alleged that she had submitted forged educational certificates during her appointment.
Following a court order restoring her service, the state government sought to challenge the decision before the High Court. However, the appeal was filed 559 days beyond the prescribed limitation period.
The government argued that the delay occurred due to the time taken for departmental processing, file movement and administrative approvals.
Rejecting the explanation, the High Court observed that such procedural formalities cannot be treated as sufficient grounds for condoning an extraordinary delay.
The bench noted that government authorities are expected to function efficiently and ensure timely legal action instead of relying on internal administrative processes to justify missed deadlines.
The court further observed that statutory limitation periods are meant to ensure certainty and discipline in legal proceedings, and government departments are equally bound by these provisions.
The ruling is considered significant as it reiterates the principle that public authorities cannot seek preferential treatment in matters of limitation solely on the basis of bureaucratic procedures.
Legal experts believe the judgment will encourage greater administrative accountability and timely handling of government litigation.
