In Brief
An appellant challenged an order that closed his right to file a written statement and struck off his defence due to non-compliance with the 120-day deadline under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015. The appellant argued he had personally appeared at all hearings and blamed his counsel's absences for the delay. The Supreme Court upheld the order dismissing the appeal, holding that personal appearance cannot excuse counsel's failure to meet mandatory procedural deadlines and that no reasonable explanation was offered. However, the Court permitted the written statement to be filed despite affirming the closure of rights.",
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