Judgment

HEGDE, J. :- The only question arising for decision in these appeals by special leave is whether the High Court was justified in rejecting the application of the appellants in these appeals seeking condonation of the delay of two days in filing the appeal.

2. The facts of the case briefly stated are as follow : The Punjab Government at the instance of the Punjabi University acquired certain lands under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act. The acquired Lands were valued by the Land Acquisition Officer at Rupees 76,029.15 P. At the instance of the respondent the matter was referred to the District Judge under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act. The learned District Judge enhanced the compensation payable to Rupees 2,97,019.15 P. The Punjab Government and the Punjabi University wanted to file an appeal against that order. The Judgment of the District Judge was delivered on October 31, 1970. The Punjab University applied for a copy of the decree and the Judgment on November 18, 1970. The copies were made available on November 27, 1970. The Last day for filing the appeal was February 8, 1971. The appeal was actually filed on February, 10, 1971. Hence, there was delay o