Condonation of delay refused where the explanation was unsatisfactory, the affidavit was incomplete, and the appeal lacked merit.

A 28-day delay in filing the appeal was held not to warrant condonation because the explanation was unsatisfactory, the supporting affidavit was stereotyped and incomplete, and reliance on inter-departmental processing was not treated as sufficient cause. The HC also examined the appeal on merits to confirm that refusal of condonation would not cause injustice, and found the challenge lacked substance. On that basis, the delay was not condoned and the motion was rejected.

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Issues: Whether the delay of 28 days in filing the appeal should be condoned.

Analysis: The explanation offered for the delay was found unsatisfactory. The affidavit in support was treated as stereotyped and incomplete, and the delay was attributed to inter-departmental steps, which was held to be no sufficient ground for condonation. The Court also examined the appeal on merits to ensure that no injustice would result from refusing condonation and found no substance in the challenge.

Conclusion: The delay was not condoned and the motion was rejected.

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