Supreme Court of India

Postmaster General v Living Media India Ltd

(2012) 3 SCC 56320121 min read
The case in brief30-second read
Facts
The Department of Posts filed appeals in the Supreme Court with a delay of 427 days. The only explanation was the time taken for the file to move between officers and obtain approvals.
Issue
Whether a government department is entitled to condonation of a long delay explained only by internal procedure.
Held
Delay not condoned. Government departments are under a special obligation to perform their duties with diligence. Unless there is a reasonable and acceptable explanation, the usual explanation that the file was kept pending for months cannot be accepted. Condonation is the exception and should not be used as an anticipated benefit for government departments.
Principle
Unexplained bureaucratic delay is not sufficient cause; the law of limitation binds the government like everyone else.
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Facts

  • The Department of Posts filed appeals in the Supreme Court with a delay of 427 days. The only explanation was the time taken for the file to move between officers and obtain approvals.

Issue

  1. Whether a government department is entitled to condonation of a long delay explained only by internal procedure.

Held

  • Delay not condoned. Government departments are under a special obligation to perform their duties with diligence. Unless there is a reasonable and acceptable explanation, the usual explanation that the file was kept pending for months cannot be accepted. Condonation is the exception and should not be used as an anticipated benefit for government departments.

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Citation

Postmaster General v Living Media India Ltd (2012) 3 SCC 563

Reported: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/20289457/. This is an educational summary, not the judgment itself. Cite the reported version in professional or academic work.