Supreme Court of India

State of Haryana v Chandra Mani

(1996) 3 SCC 13219961 min read
The case in brief30-second read
Facts
The State of Haryana filed a special leave petition with a delay of 109 days, explaining that the file had to pass through various departments and officers.
Issue
Whether the delay by the State should be condoned and what approach applies when the State is the applicant.
Held
The Court condoned the delay. The words 'sufficient cause' must receive a liberal construction to advance substantial justice. Since the State acts through its officers and decisions pass through many hands, a certain amount of latitude is permissible, though the law of limitation applies to the State as to others.
Principle
The State is bound by limitation, but some latitude is allowed for delay caused by its impersonal machinery.
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Facts

  • The State of Haryana filed a special leave petition with a delay of 109 days, explaining that the file had to pass through various departments and officers.

Issue

  1. Whether the delay by the State should be condoned and what approach applies when the State is the applicant.

Held

  • The Court condoned the delay. The words 'sufficient cause' must receive a liberal construction to advance substantial justice. Since the State acts through its officers and decisions pass through many hands, a certain amount of latitude is permissible, though the law of limitation applies to the State as to others.

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Citation

State of Haryana v Chandra Mani (1996) 3 SCC 132

Reported: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/852301/. This is an educational summary, not the judgment itself. Cite the reported version in professional or academic work.