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iii) 2008 (17) SCC 448 - Pundlik Jalam Patil -v- Executive Engineer, Jlagaon Mediam Project and Another "The question is : Can the respondent/applicant in this case take advantage of its negligence, after lapse of number of years, of the decision of Government? It knew the exact grounds on which appeals could have been preferred. The law will presume that it knew of its right to file appeal against the award. Everybody is presumed to know law. It was its duty to prefer appeals before the court for consideration which it did not. There is no explanation forthcoming in this regard. The evidence on record suggest neglect of its own right for long time in preferring appeals. The court cannot enquire into belated and stale claims on the ground of equity. Delay defeats equity. The court IA No. 380 of 2014 in DFR No. 2355 of 2014 helps those who are vigilant and do not slumber over their rights."