Quick Summary: Saroj Rajendra Kumar Mangla, the person who asked the court for help, was given a 7-month extension to run a food stall at Rewari Railway Station, thanks to a decision by the Delhi High Court on December 23, 2025.
Saroj Rajendra Kumar Mangla had a food stall at Rewari Railway Station in Jaipur Division. The stall was first given to her on February 15, 2019, and the contract was extended until January 31, 2026, because the station was closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, which was considered a "non-working" period.
Saroj Rajendra Kumar Mangla argued that other people in similar situations had received extensions beyond the "non-working" period. For example, on March 7, 2025, another person, Sadeek Ali, was given a 7-month extension. Saroj wanted the same extension and promised to leave the stall after the extra time.
The Union of India, represented by Ms. Arti Bansal, argued that the previous extension until January 31, 2026, was enough. They pointed to a letter from May 21, 2020, saying that contracts were already adjusted for the Covid-19 period under a special rule for unexpected events.
Justice Mini Pushkarna noticed that similar extensions had been given in other cases. The court decided to give Saroj Rajendra Kumar Mangla a 7-month extension from January 31, 2026, as long as she pays the required fees. Saroj must also promise in writing to leave the stall after this period.
"The petitioner is directed to file an undertaking, on an affidavit, before this Court, within a period of four weeks from today."
The court made it clear that this extension does not stop the Railways from looking for new people to run the stall after the period ends. The case was closed with these instructions.
