$~2 and 3 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI # CNR No. DLHC010413902019 + W.P.(C) 11057/2019, CM APPL. 45578/2019 and CM APPL. 52909/2023 THE CHAIRMAN, INDIAN COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH .....Petitioner Through: Mr.Amitesh Kumar, Ms.Priti and Ms.Vipasha, Advocates versus AJAY KUMAR .....Respondent Through: Mr. K.K. Sinha, Mr. Arehit Ojha and Mr. Sachin Kr. Singh, Advocates # CNR No. DLHC010282762020 + W.P.(C) 8074/2020 THE CHAIRMAN INDIAN COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH .....Petitioner Through: Mr.Amitesh Kumar, Ms.Priti and Ms.Vipasha, Advocates versus ANAND KUMAR .....Respondent Through: Mr. K.K. Sinha, Mr. Arehit Ojha and Mr. Sachin Kr. Singh, Advocates CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE MANOJ KUMAR OHRI O R D E R % 22.09.2026 1. By way of the present petitions, the petitioner seeks to assail the order dated 26.02.2019 passed in ID No.36/2016 and the order dated 22.01.2020 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 26/09/2026 at 11:47:07 passed in ID No.208/2017, respectively. 2. Vide the aforesaid orders, the learned Labour Court had directed payment of enhanced interim relief equivalent to 40% of the last remuneration drawn by the respondent workman, with effect from the date of his termination. 3. Learned counsels for the parties have addressed submissions on the issue as to whether the Labour Court is empowered to grant interim relief, as well as on the aspect of delay and laches in approaching the Labour Court. 4. Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that the dispute is stale and does not constitute a live dispute, as 13 long years had elapsed between the date of termination and the raising of the industrial disputes. 5. The submissions are disputed by learned counsels for the parties. After some hearing, learned counsels for the parties, on instructions and without prejudice to their respective rights and contentions, submits that they have no objection if the issues are gone into at the first instance by the Labour court. 6. In view of the specific no objection conveyed on behalf of the respondent for setting aside of the impugned order, this Court refrains from passing a detailed order. Accordingly, the impugned orders are set aside. The learned Labour Court is requested to endeavor to consider the reference expeditiously, particularly since the same pertains to the year 2017. 7. The amounts deposited by the petitioner with the Registry of this Court shall be released back to the petitioner, along with the interest accrued thereon, as per rules. 8. In view of the above, the present petitions, along with the pending applications, are disposed of. 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 26/09/2026 at 11:47:07 9. Needless to state, this Court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case, and all contentions of the parties are left open to be urged before the learned Labour Court. 10. The Registry is directed to communicate a copy of this order to the concerned Labour Court. 11. MANOJ KUMAR OHRI, J SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 na 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 26/09/2026 at 11:47:07