925 CA 5628 OF 2026.odt IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY BENCH AT AURANGABAD 925 CIVIL APPLICATION NO. 5628 OF 2026 IN FAST/8644/2026 BHASKAR S/O. SARJERAO KHEDKAR AND ORS. VERSUS THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA THROUGH THE COLLECTOR BEED AND ANR. ... Advocate for Applicants : Mr. D R Jaybhar And S D Jaybhar. AGP for Respondent/State : Mr. K. S. Hake Patil ... CORAM : S. G. CHAPALGAONKAR, J. DATE : 02.07.2026 PER COURT : Heard. 2. The applicants are seeking condonation of delay of more than 22 years caused in filing appeal against the judgment and award passed under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act. 3. The learned advocate appearing for the applicants submits that the applicants’ land was acquired by the respondents for Ukanda Chakla Minor Irrigation Tank. Award under Section 11 of the Land Acquisition Act was passed. Aggrieved by the assessment of compensation, the applicants have filed reference under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act. The reference has been decided on 11.03.2004. The applicants applied for certified copies on 01.03.2023, which was delivered on 02.03.2023. Thereafter present application is lodged on 07.03.2026. The only reason employed to condone the delay is that due to old age, illiteracy and lack of legal knowledge, no steps were taken for filing the appeal. 1/2 2026:BHC-AUG:25924 925 CA 5628 OF 2026.odt 4. This Court find that looking to the length of delay of more than 22 years, the aforesaid explanation cannot be accepted even by adopting liberal approach. 5. In that view of the matter, the application stands rejected. 6. Civil Application is disposed of. ( S. G. CHAPALGAONKAR, J.) mkd/- 2/2