JUDGMENT

CM APPL. 52532/2022 (Seeking condonation of delay of 255 days in filing the appeal)

1. By way of the present application, the appellant seeks condonation of delay of 255 days in filing the appeal.

2. Learned counsel for the appellant submits that the appellant belongs to an economically weaker section and due to paucity of funds, was unable to get in contact with a counsel and obtain timely legal advice.

3. It is noteworthy that in “Mohsina vs. Union of India”¹(2017) SCC OnLine Del 10003, a Co-ordinate Bench of this Court condoned a delay of 804 days in filing the appeal, taking into account the weak economic condition of the appellant/ claimant.

4. The Railways Act, 1989 and the Railways Claims Tribunal Act, 1987 arise out of beneficial and social welfare legislation intended to provide compensation to victims of railway accidents and untoward incidents. In such matters, a liberal and justice-oriented approach is required while considering applications for condonation of delay so that genuine claims are not defeated on technical grounds.

5. Considering the peculiar facts and circumstances of the present case, and guided by the principle laid down in the aforesaid decision, as w