Delayed pronouncement in adjudication can invalidate the order when submissions and documents are not properly considered.

Delayed pronouncement of an adjudication order can vitiate the decision where the lapse prevents proper consideration of submissions and documents. The Bombay High Court noted that the order was issued about 13 months after hearing concluded, and that key issues had escaped consideration in the adjudication process. As the merits of the demand were not examined, the Court confined itself to the impact of the delay on validity and set aside the impugned order, remanding the proceedings for fresh adjudication within three months.

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Issues: Whether the impugned adjudication order was liable to be set aside on the ground that it was pronounced after an inordinate delay and, consequently, relevant submissions and documents were not duly considered.

Analysis: The order was passed about 13 months after the hearing had concluded. In view of the delay, the Court found that some key issues had escaped consideration in the adjudication. The merits of the demand were not examined, and the Court confined itself to the effect of the delayed pronouncement on the validity of the order.

Conclusion: The impugned order was set aside on the ground of delay in pronouncement and the proceedings were remanded for fresh adjudication within three months.

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