Condonation of delay requires sufficient cause, and an inordinate unexplained delay will not be excused despite liberal justice principles.

Condonation of a 916-day delay in filing a letters patent appeal depended on proof of sufficient cause under Section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963. Although a liberal approach may advance substantial justice, the Court stressed that condonation is not automatic where the explanation is inadequate and laches are apparent. Internal consultations, vacancy in the Vice-Chancellor's office, and consideration by university bodies did not satisfactorily account for the delay at each stage. The Court also noted the prior delay and laches in the writ petition, the public nature of the land-use change and development, and the prejudice to the respondent and public interest. The delay was not condoned and dismissal of the appeal on that ground was upheld.

---

---

Issues: Whether the extraordinary delay of 916 days in filing the letters patent appeal was liable to be condoned.

Analysis: The governing test for condonation of delay is whether the appellant has shown sufficient cause under Section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963. A liberal approach may be adopted to advance substantial justice, but condonation is not automatic, especially where the explanation is inadequate, the delay is inordinate, and laches are apparent. The Court found that the reasons offered, including internal consultations, vacancy in the office of Vice-Chancellor, and consideration by various university bodies, did not satisfactorily explain the delay at each stage. The writ petition itself had been found to suffer from delay and laches, and the land-use change and related development had long been in public domain. The Court also considered the prejudice to the respondent and the public interest implications arising from the project and the funds already deployed.

Conclusion: The delay was not supported by sufficient cause and was not liable to be condoned; the dismissal of the appeal on the ground of delay was justified.

---