A minor controversy has arisen with regard to the filing of a fresh vakalatnama
on behalf of the West Bengal Housing Board by Mr. Bijan Ghosh, learned advocate-
on-record, in the Supreme Court, since Mr. H.K. Puri had been appearing as such
advocate-on-record in the matter which has already been disposed of. However, to put
an end to the dispute, we exercise our powers under Order 47, Rule 1 of the Supreme
Court Rules, and allow Mr. Bijan Ghosh to represent the Housing Board.
Civil Appeal No.1505 of 2003, which is on the board today, was finally disposed
of on 6th November, 2008, along with 59 other matters, with a direction that the West
Bengal Housing Board would file its written statements before the learned Reference
Judge within three months from the date of the order. The West Bengal Housing
Board was also directed to file all other necessary documents, which were in its power
and possession, within four weeks from the said date. Leave was further granted to
the parties if they wished to adduce any other or further evidences, to do so and in
respect whereof a list of witnesses was to be filed before the Reference Court within six
weeks from date. The learned Reference Judge was also directed to dispose of the
matter expeditiously, but not later than 3 months from the date of the receipt of the
copy of the order.
This application has been made for extension of the time granted by this Court
for disposal of the Reference, which period had already been extended once before and
is to expire on 6th May, 2009.
Having heard learned counsel for the parties and having seen the contents of
the application, we allow the same and extend the time for disposal of the Reference by
30th June, 2009. The learned Reference Judge is also directed to allow the Housing
Board to examine Mr. Nirupam, B., Valuer, whose evidence-in-chief had been
tendered on 26th March, 2009, and such other witness or witnesses, as may be
considered relevant by the learned judge.
The I.A. is disposed of in the above terms.
Let a copy of the order be made available to the parties as quickly as possible.
New Delhi, April, 27, 2009.