Understanding the Supreme Court Case: Union of India vs. Ravi Raj & Others

In the Supreme Court of India, a case has been filed by the Union of India (the Indian government) against Ravi Raj and others. The government is asking the court to allow a delay in filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP). An SLP is a request made to the Supreme Court to appeal against a decision made by a lower court. In this case, the government wants to challenge a judgment passed by the Delhi High Court on May 2, 2022.

What is the Case About?

The Delhi High Court had given a decision in a writ petition (a type of court case) filed by Ravi Raj and others. The High Court directed the government to prepare a Reserve Panel/Wait List of candidates based on exam results declared on August 28, 2017. The government believes that the High Court ignored an important report about a meeting held with stakeholders and recruitment agencies. This meeting was about preparing and operating a Reserve Waiting List, as ordered by the court earlier.

The government feels that the High Court’s decision was wrong and wants the Supreme Court to review it. However, there was a delay in filing the SLP, and the government is now asking the Supreme Court to excuse this delay.

Why Was There a Delay?

The government explains that the delay happened because of several steps that needed to be taken before filing the SLP. Here’s what happened:

1. Certified Copy of the Order: After the High Court’s decision on January 10, 2019, the government applied for a certified copy of the order on January 18, 2019. They received it on April 2, 2019.
2. Legal Consultation: The government consulted its legal department and got their opinion on the matter.
3. Discussions and Meetings: The issue was discussed at various levels of the government. A meeting was held by a committee, and it was decided to file an SLP in the Supreme Court.
4. Preparation of the SLP: The government’s law department communicated the decision to file the SLP. An officer was authorized to file the petition, and the necessary documents were collected. This process took time, causing the delay.

The government assures the court that the delay was not intentional or deliberate. They request the court to excuse the delay so that the case can be heard and decided on its merits (based on the facts and legal arguments).

What is the Government Asking For?

The government is requesting two things from the Supreme Court:

1. Condonation of Delay: They want the court to excuse the delay in filing the SLP.
2. Decision on Merits: They want the court to hear the case and make a decision based on the facts and legal arguments.

The government believes that justice will be served if the court allows the SLP to be filed and considers the case properly.

Conclusion

This case shows how complex legal processes can be, especially when government departments are involved. The government is asking the Supreme Court to allow a delayed appeal because they believe the Delhi High Court’s decision was incorrect. The court will now decide whether to excuse the delay and hear the case.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, please consult a qualified lawyer