IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI L.P.A. No. 144 of 2025

1. The State of Jharkhand.

2. Principal Secretary, Water Resources Department, Government of Jharkhand, Nepal House, P.O. & P.S. Doranda, District-Ranchi.

… … … Appellants Versus Jaldhar Mandal, aged 60 years, son of Late Hardeo Mandal, resident of Harmu Road, Harmu Housing Colony, P.O. Doranda, P.S. Argora, District-Ranchi. … … … Respondent ---------

CORAM: HON’BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE RAJESH SHANKAR ---------

For the Appellants: Mr. Ashwini Bhushan, A.C. to S.C.-II For the Respondent: Mr. A.K. Sahani, Advocate ---------

03/Dated: 16.02.2026 I.A. No. 12571 of 2024

1. Heard learned counsel for the parties.

2. This I.A. seeks condonation of delay of 144 days in instituting this Letters Patent Appeal. We have perused the averments in the I.A. and we are satisfied that this delay has been sufficiently explained.

3. Accordingly, we condone the delay and dispose of this I.A.

L.P.A. No. 144 of 2025

4. At the request of and with the consent of the learned counsel for the parties, we have taken up this L.P.A. for hearing after condoning the delay in its institution.

5. Learned counsel for the appellants submitted that the