Timely filing of cross objections: strict procedural compliance required, limited scope for delay condonation without sufficient cause.

The article focuses on the requirement to file cross objections within the prescribed period after service of an appeal notice, the department's failure to meet that timeline, and its subsequent delay condonation application citing unavailability of appeal copies and pandemic disruption. The tribunal closely examined these grounds, applied the sufficiency-of-cause standard and pandemic limitation guidance, and emphasized strict procedural compliance and departmental duty to ensure timely filings.

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