SHRIRAM GENERAL INSURANCE CO. LTD.versusVAJSHIBHAI AALABHAI GODHANIYA
- Disposal
- 53-ALLOWED / GRANTED @ ADM.STAGE
- Bench
- HASMUKH D SUTHAR
Holding
The Court condoned the 72‑day delay and allowed the application for condonation of delay.
Summary
Shriram General Insurance Co. Ltd. filed an application under Section 5 of the Limitation Act seeking condonation of a 72‑day delay in filing its first appeal. The respondents, Vajshibhai Aalabhai Godhaniya & Ors., did not appear. The applicant argued that the delay was due to genuine reasons and not a dilatory tactic. The Court emphasized that limitation provisions should be liberally interpreted to further substantial justice and noted the absence of any mala‑fide intent. Relying on the Supreme Court’s decision in N. Balakrishnan v. N. Krishnamurthy, the Court found the applicant’s cause sufficient and condoned the delay, allowing the appeal to proceed.
Issues considered
- Whether a delay of 72 days in filing the first appeal can be condoned under Section 5 of the Limitation Act.
Legislation cited
- Limitation Acts. 5
Subjects
Judgment
C/CA/3577/2025 ORDER DATED: 20/01/2026
IN THE HIGH COURT OF GUJARAT AT AHMEDABAD
R/CIVIL APPLICATION (FOR CONDONATION OF DELAY) NO. 3577 of
2025
In F/FIRST APPEAL/12371/2025
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SHRIRAM GENERAL INSURANCE CO. LTD.
Versus
VAJSHIBHAI AALABHAI GODHANIYA & ORS.
==========================================================
Appearance:
MS KIRTI S PATHAK(9966) for the Applicant(s) No. 1
MR GC MAZMUDAR(1193) for the Respondent(s) No. 7
MR HG MAZMUDAR(1194) for the Respondent(s) No. 7
NOTICE SERVED for the Respondent(s) No. 2,3,6
NOTICE THROUGH RPAD UNSERVED for the Respondent(s) No. 4,5
==========================================================
CORAM:HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE HASMUKH D. SUTHAR
Date : 20/01/2026
ORAL ORDER
1. Though served, none appears for respondent Nos.1 to 6.
2. This application is led under Section 5 of the Limitation Act for
condonation of delay of 72 days caused in ling the First Appeal.
3. It is submitted by the learned advocate for the applicant that the
applicant could not le First Appeal in timely fashion because of the reasons
mentioned in the application and therefore, has requested to condone the
delay caused in ling the First Appeal.
4. Considering the submissions made by the learned advocates for the
respective parties, the applicant has mentioned su)cient cause for
condonation of delay. The primary function of the Court is to adjudicate the
dispute between the parties and to advance substantial justice. Rules of
limitation are not meant to destroy the rights of parties. The Court is aware
of the fact that denial to condone the delay would mean to dismiss the First
Appeal at threshold and there is no presumption that the delay caused by
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C/CA/3577/2025 ORDER DATED: 20/01/2026
the applicant is deliberate. In view thereof, the words ‘su)cient cause’
under Section 5 of the Limitation Act should receive a liberal consideration
so as to advance substantial justice. Even reason stated appears to be
bona de and genuine. There is no smack of mala de or dilatory tactics on
the part of the applicant. Further, it is apposite to refer to the decision of
the Hon’ble Apex Court in the case of N. Balakrishnan v. N. Krishnamurthy
reported in (1998) 7 SCC 123.
5. In view of the above, the delay of 72 days as explained in memo of
the application is condoned. The application is accordingly allowed.
(HASMUKH D. SUTHAR,J)
SUCHIT
Original copy of this order has been signed by the Hon'ble Judge.
Digitally signed by: PATEL SUCHIT JAYESHBHAI(HC01083), Private Secretary, at High Court of Gujarat on 20/01/2026 14:43:34
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