Delay in availing remedy

Petitioner invoking relief under Art. 199 of the Constitution must approach the Court with clean hands and without undue delay

Doctrine of laches, founded on equitable principles, is firmly embedded in our jurisprudence

It presumes that those who sleep on their rights and delay seeking redress demonstrate abandonment of claim

Doctrine of laches is a discretionary bar against equitable relief, particularly where prolonged delay affects administrative processes or causes injustice to others

Equitable maxim "delay defeats equity" remains relevant

Petitioner who sought relief after an excessive lapse of lime cannot reasonably expect judicial intervention, especially when public employment or third-party rights were involved

Doctrine of laches is founded on the maxim "vigilantibus non dormientibus jura subveniunt", the law assists those who are vigilant of their rights.

Any person may have an enforceable right but if he fails to enforce such right within the time stipulated by law then the right becomes unenforceable.

Person who knocked the door of an equity Court with an inordinate delay, had to justify such delay.

Invoking of remedy by some aggrieved party beyond the prescribed period of limitation created valuable legal rights in favour of the opposite party, therefore, in such cases delay of each day was to be explained by the defaulting party to the satisfaction of the court, which could not be condoned lightly or as of routine, as such arbitrary exercise of discretion would cause serious prejudice to the interest of the opposite party.