Statutory limitation for refund claims under Section 54: Article 226 permits condonation if corresponding time extensions are granted.

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....Filing a refund application within two years under Section 54 is a mandatory statutory limitation that bars the proper officer from entertaining belated claims; the absence of any provision to condone delay means the officer lacks jurisdiction except where the statute permits relief. Where the Act provides no remedy, a writ under Article 226 may be entertained to seek condonation of delay, subject to consideration of laches and bona fides. Any judicial condonation must be conditional: the taxpayer may obtain relief only if a corresponding extension is granted to enable the authorities to invoke and apply consequential remedial assessment provisions; on the facts delay was condoned.....