In Brief
The State of West Bengal filed a Special Leave Petition with a delay of over four and a half years (1697 days), citing public interest and pending matters as justification. The Supreme Court dismissed the petition as barred by time. The Court held that the Government does not have an unfettered right to approach the Court whenever it wishes, regardless of delay or other pending matters. Mere invocation of public interest cannot excuse extraordinary delays. The Court noted the Government's gross negligence in safeguarding public interest and advised that if the State suffered financial loss, it should pursue recovery from responsible officials.
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