the same. We have heard both sides on this Application seeking condonation of delay. We find that the only reason assigned for the delay is that the order dated 7th March, 2016 was made known to both the Departments, and particularly the Department or the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, equally, the Director General of Foreign Trade. However, the matter was referred to the Branch Secretariat Ministry of Law & Justice on 27th March, 2017 for advice and followed up with letters of 26th May, 2017 and 12th June, 2017. There was correspondence exchanged with the Branch Secretariat and conferences and discussions were held. It is clear from a perusal of this Civil Application that each of the concerned official was apprised of the order passed by this Court and with a copy forwarded duly to them. They had enough time to take a decision as to whether to seek a review of the order or to take appropriate proceedings. However, despite the knowledge of this order and from 27th April, 2016, nothing has been done save and except seeking advice and writing letters. We do not think that the time that was spent in all this, as stated in the Civil Application, constitutes sufficient cause. These are usual Departmental procedures and for compliance of such procedures, the Department cannot as of routine seek condonation of delay. It is common ground and too well settled that the Government is not a special litigant and time does not stop running insofar as the Government's litigation is concerned. In other words, the Government is not exempt from the law of limitation.
