Limitation under Administrative Tribunals Act bars belated original applications absent condonation of delay

An original application filed beyond the limitation period under Section 21(1) of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 could not be entertained because no application under Section 21(3) seeking condonation of delay was made before the Tribunal. The later explanation for delay was irrelevant, as it had not been placed as the foundation for condonation at the tribunal stage. Once the application was time-barred, the Tribunal lacked jurisdiction to admit it and proceed to decide the matter on merits.

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Issues: Whether the original application before the Tribunal was barred by limitation under Section 21 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 and could be entertained in the absence of an application for condonation of delay.

Analysis: The application was filed beyond the statutory period prescribed by Section 21(1), and no application invoking Section 21(3) for condonation of delay was made before the Tribunal. The explanation later offered could not be considered because it had not been laid as a foundation before the Tribunal. Once the application was time-barred, the Tribunal had no jurisdiction to admit it and decide it on merits.

Conclusion: The original application was barred by limitation and could not have been entertained on merits.

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