In Brief
The petitioners, Daddy's Builders Pvt. Ltd., sought special leave to appeal a decision rejecting their application for condonation of delay in filing a written statement in a consumer complaint. The written statement was filed beyond the 45-day period prescribed under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The Court held that consumer forums—District, State, or National Commissions—have no power to accept written statements beyond 45 days. Although the Constitution Bench decision establishing this rule applies prospectively, orders condoning delay before that judgment remain valid. The Court dismissed the petition, confirming that condonation is discretionary and case-specific, not mandatory.
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