$~121 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + W.P.(C) 3272/2026 and CM APPL.15180/2026 MEENA BAZAAR THROUGH PROPRIETOR .....Petitioner Through: Mr. Sushil K. Tekriwal, Adv. versus RADHEY SHYAM CHATURVEDI .....Respondent Through: None. CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SACHIN DATTA % 13.03.2026 O R D E R 1. Allowed, subject to all just exceptions. CM APPL.15181/2026 (Exemption) 2. Application stands disposed of. 3. The present petition assails an order dated 03.02.2026, whereby the learned Presiding Officer, Labour Court-X, Rouse Avenue has closed the right of the petitioner / management to file written statements. The operative directions in the order dated 03.02.2026 are as under: W.P.(C) 3272/2026 and CM APPL.15180/2026 “On 17. 01.2026, the AR for the workman had submitted that he had filed an appeal before the Hon'ble Delhi High Court, however, the matter was adjourned for today with direction to file written statement by way of last and final opportunity and today also the AR for the management seeks adjournment on the same ground that he had filed an appeal. It is not a ground for adjourmnent, sufficient opportunities has already been granted to the management to file written statement but they have failed to comply with the order. Accordingly, the right of the management to file written statement stands closed.” 4. It is noted that prior to passing of the order, more than ample opportunities were given to the petitioner to file the written statement. This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 16/03/2026 at 17:23:24 5. Vide order dated 06.12.2025, it was ordered as under: “Vide separate detailed order of even date, the application filed on behalf of the management under Section 8 of Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 is not maintainable and the same stands dismissed. Now to come up for filing of written statement on behalf of the management on 17.01.2026.” 6. Vide order dated 17.01.2026, it was ordered as under: “Matter is listed for filing of written statement on behalf of themanagement, however, it is stated by AR for the management that he hasalready filed an appeal before the Hon'ble Delhi High Court against theorder dated 06.12.2025 and the same is likely to be listed in the next twoweeks. It is enquired whether any stay has been granted in the matter,the AR for the management submits that the matter is yet to be listedbefore the Hon'ble Delhi High Court. Accordingly, last and final opportunity is given to themanagement to file their written statement by the next date of hearing i.e.,03.02.2026.” 7. Despite the opportunities afforded by the concerned Labour Court, vide orders dated 06.12.2025 and 17.01.2026, the written statement was not filed by the petitioner. 8. In the circumstances, on a prima facie conspectus, this Court does not find any infirmity with the view taken by the Presiding Officer in the impugned order dated 03.02.2026. 9. Be that as it may, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the omission on the part of the petitioner to file written statement was on account of a misconception for which he expresses regret. He further submits that the petitioner is agreeable to adhere to such conditions, as may be imposed as pre-condition for filing the written statement. 10. Considering the aforesaid submissions, liberty is granted to the petitioner to move an application seeking review of the order dated This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 16/03/2026 at 17:23:24 03.02.2026 whereby the right of the petitioner / management to file written statement has been closed. 11. On such application being filed, it shall be for the Presiding Officer, Labour Court to consider the same, keeping in view the regret expressed by the petitioner. 12. It shall also be open to the Presiding Officer, Labour Court to impose such terms and conditions, including costs, as may be deemed appropriate. 13. The petition stands disposed of in the above terms. Pending application also stands disposed of. 14. In view of the fact that the matter is listed for further proceedings before the Labour Court today itself, the petitioner shall be at liberty to request for a short adjournment. SACHIN DATTA, J MARCH 13, 2026/cl This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 16/03/2026 at 17:23:24