In this case, late husband of respondent was dismissed from service on 16-12-1996. In case respondent’s husband had not been dismissed, he would have superannuated in the year 1999.Respondent widow challenging dismissal order by filing writ petition in the year 2012 i.e. 15 yrs from date of termination and approximately 13 yrs from date on which employee would have superannuated. Husband of respondent passed away in the year 2009. The Supreme Court held that writ petition was liable to be dismissed on grounds of delay/laches alone and did not require consideration of merit. Impugned judgment affirming order of Single Judge setting aside dismissal order dt. 16-12-1996 was held unsustainable.
[State of Rajasthan v. Surji Devi, (2022) 1 SCC 17]