JUDGMENT

Dinesh Kumar Sharma, J. (Oral)--Present writ petitions have been filed challenging the order of the learned Controlling Authority under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, wherein the petitioner was held liable to make the payment of gratuity to the respondents/workmen even for the period when they were on the muster roll.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner has submitted that the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 will not be applicable for the period when these respondents were on the muster roll. It has been submitted that the statutory appeal, as provided under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, could not be filed within the prescribed period and there was a delay of about 20 to 30 days. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that since the prescribed period had expired, they could not file the appeal. It has been submitted that the delay in filing the appeal may be condoned and the petitioner may be permitte