Condonation of delay under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code is barred beyond the 15-day statutory extension window.

Section 61 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code permits an appeal within 30 days and allows a further extension of only 15 days on proof of sufficient cause. Delay beyond that 15-day statutory window is not condonable, and the Appellate Tribunal lacks jurisdiction to extend time further. The stated explanation for delay was found vague and unsupported, with no satisfactory particulars on preparation of the appeal or prompt application for the certified copy. The application was therefore dismissed.

---

---

Issues: Whether delay of 14 days beyond the prescribed period in filing the appeal under Section 61 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 could be condoned on the facts stated by the applicant.

Analysis: Section 61(1) provides a right of appeal, while Section 61(2) prescribes a period of 30 days and permits further extension only up to 15 days upon proof of sufficient cause. The additional period beyond 15 days is not extendable, and the Appellate Tribunal has no jurisdiction to condone delay beyond that statutory window. The explanation offered for the delay was found to be vague and unsupported by particulars, including the absence of any satisfactory account of when the appeal was prepared or why the certified copy was not promptly applied for.

Conclusion: The delay could not be condoned and the application was dismissed.

---