Strict IBC appeal limitation runs from the order date, and delay beyond the condonable period cannot be extended.

Section 61 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code prescribes a strict appeal limitation of thirty days, with only a further fifteen days available on sufficient cause. The limitation period runs from the date of the impugned order, not from the date of knowledge or receipt of a free copy. Where the record shows service by email and prior participation in the proceedings, a plea of lack of awareness is not accepted. Holidays, vacations, and personal difficulties do not justify extending the filing period beyond the statutory ceiling, so delay beyond the condonable period cannot be entertained.

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Issues: Whether the delay in filing the appeal beyond the statutory period prescribed under Section 61 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 could be condoned and whether limitation could be counted from the date on which the appellant became aware of the impugned order.

Analysis: Section 61 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 prescribes a limitation period of thirty days for filing an appeal, with a further condonable period of fifteen days only on showing sufficient cause. The special limitation framework under the Code is strict and excludes any enlargement of time beyond the statutory ceiling. The limitation for an appeal under the Code runs from the date of the order, not from the date of knowledge or receipt of a free copy. The plea that the appellant was unaware of the order was not accepted, particularly when the record showed service of the impugned order by email and other prior participation in the proceedings. The grounds based on holidays, vacations, and personal difficulties were also held insufficient to extend the statutory limit beyond the condonable period.

Conclusion: The delay could not be condoned beyond the further period of fifteen days, and the appeal was liable to be rejected.

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