Meenakshi Madan Rai, J
Learned Government Advocate for the Respondents No.1 and 2 verbally seek further time to file Counter-Affidavit.
Learned Counsel for the Respondent No.3 also seeks further time to file Counter-Affidavit.
Records reveal that the Government Advocate for the Respondents No.1 and 2 had entered appearance on 05-08-2025 and on 15-09-2025, Learned Counsel for the Respondent No.3 had entered appearance. Today, it is more than two months since their appearance, however Learned Counsel for the Respondents have not only failed to file their Counter-Affidavits but while seeking adjournment failed to specify the grounds for such delay. In such circumstances, it is evident that Learned Government Advocate for the Respondents No.1 and 2 and Learned Counsel for the Respondent No.3 respectively have exhibited lethargy and a lackadaisical attitude in taking steps, apart from which, they have paid scant heed to the Orders of this Court.
In the absence of grounds furnished by Learned Counsel for the Respondents for adjournment, let Respondents No.1 and 2 deposit ₹ 5,000/-(Rupees five thousand) only, as costs and the Respondent No.3 shall also deposit ₹ 5,000/-(Rupees five thousand) only, as costs with the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority. The said amounts shall be deposited within ten days from today, failing which the costs shall be enhanced. The amounts so deposited shall be utilized for Child Care Institutions wherever deemed essential.
Let Counter-Affidavit be filed within four weeks and Rejoinder thereto two weeks thereafter.
Stay granted vide Order of this Court dated 05-08-2025, stands extended till the next date.
List on 17-03-2026.
