Limitation for resolution plan appeals cannot be extended beyond the statutory outer limit by inherent powers.

An appeal challenging approval of a resolution plan under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code is governed by the special appellate scheme in Section 61, so the limitation period in Section 61(2) applies even where the appeal is framed under Section 32 read with Section 61(3). The prescribed period is thirty days, with a further fifteen days available only on sufficient cause being shown. The Tribunal's inherent powers under Rule 11 cannot override this statutory ceiling or enlarge its jurisdiction. Delay beyond that outer limit, including delay attributed to lack of knowledge or alleged fraud, is not condonable; the appeal was therefore barred by limitation and the condonation request was rejected.

---

---

Issues: Whether an appeal against approval of a resolution plan, filed under Section 32 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 read with Section 61(3), is governed by the limitation period in Section 61(2) and whether delay beyond the statutory outer limit can be condoned by invoking Rule 11 of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal Rules, 2016.

Analysis: Section 32 provides the route and grounds of challenge to an order approving a resolution plan, but it does not operate in isolation from Section 61 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. The appellate framework under Section 61 is a special statutory scheme, and the limitation prescribed in Section 61(2) applies to appeals under that framework, including an appeal against approval of a resolution plan. The statutory period is thirty days, extendable only by a further fifteen days on sufficient cause being shown. The inherent powers under Rule 11 of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal Rules, 2016 cannot be used to override the limitation fixed by the principal statute. Inordinate delay, including delay attributed to alleged lack of knowledge of the order or alleged fraud, does not enlarge the Tribunal's jurisdiction beyond the statutory ceiling.

Conclusion: The appeal was barred by limitation, the delay of 229 days was not condonable, and the request for condonation of delay was rejected.

Ratio Decidendi: An appeal under Section 32 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 against approval of a resolution plan is governed by Section 61(2), and the Tribunal cannot condone delay beyond the statutory maximum by resort to inherent powers.

---