The Supreme Court ruled that allowing a third-party to file a delay condonation application is impermissible, as it would permit individuals not involved in the suit to seek reinstatement.
The bench of Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta observed that entertaining an application for delay condonation from someone who is not a party to the suit is legally unsustainable. The respondent in question was not even a party to the suit, making the application filed on their behalf by a stranger entirely illegal. The Court expressed concern that if such actions by the trial court were upheld, it would open the door for unauthorized individuals to intervene in legal proceedings, undermining due process.
The Supreme Court criticized the trial court’s decision to consider the application from an outsider after a two-year delay, questioning the necessity and appropriateness of this action. Consequently, the Supreme Court overturned the rulings of both the trial court and the High Court, allowing the appeal.
