JUDGMENT :

Sujit Narayan Prasad, J.

I.A. No. 3718 of 2020:

1. The instant interlocutory application has been filed for condoning the delay of 254 days which has occurred in filing the instant appeal.

2. The ground has been taken, apart from the movement of file from one place to another, of Pandemic COVID-19 as would appear from paragraph-8 thereof.

3. The impugned order has been passed by the learned Single Judge on 16.12.2019 and the appeal was filed on 25.06.2020. The lockdown was inflicted due to COVID-19 from 25.03.2020. The Hon'ble Apex Court has passed order in sue motu writ petitions being Suo Motu Writ (Cvl) No. 03 of 2020 and Misc. Application No. 21 of 2022, whereby and whereunder, the period of lockdown has been directed to be kept in arrest.

4. This Court, considering the aforesaid reason, is of the view that the delay in filing the instant appeal deserves to be condoned.

5. Accordingly, the delay of 254 days in filing the appeal stands condoned and the instant interlocutory application being I.A. No. 3718 of 2020 stands disposed of.

L.P.A. No. 214 of 2020:

6. The instant appeal under Clause 10 of the Letters Patent is directed against the order/judgment dated 16.12.2019 passed