The High Court may issue a Writ of Mandamus to direct an appellate authority to dispose of a pending statutory appeal within a fixed time frame, provided principles of natural justice are observed.

JUDGMENT

This Writ Petition (C) is filed seeking the following reliefs:

" a) Call for the records leading up to Ext.P3 order and quash the same by issuance of a Writ of Certiorari or any other appropriate writ, order or direction. b) Issue a Writ of Mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order or direction directing the 1^st respondent to consider and pass appropriate orders on Ext.P4 appeal preferred against Ext.P3 order, within a time stipulated by this Hon’ble Court.

c) Pass an order dispensing with the production of English translation of vernacular document at the time of filing of Writ Petition.

d) Pass any other appropriate writ, order or direction which this Hon’ble Court may deem fit to issue and the petitioner may pray from time to time."

[SIC]

2. When this writ petition came up for consideration, the counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner will be satisfied if a direction is issued to the 1st respondent to consider Ext.P4 appeal within a time frame. 3. Heard the counsel for the petitioner and the Government Pleader.

4. After hearing both sides, I think that prayer can be allowed.

Therefore, this Writ Petition is disposed of with the following directions:

1. The 1^st respondent is directed to consider Ext.P4 and pass appropriate orders in it, after giving an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment.