In Brief
In this consumer protection appeal, the Supreme Court examined whether a First Appeal to the National Commission was barred by a 150-day delay that was not condoned by the lower order. The National Commission had declined to condone the delay yet proceeded to address the merits. The Supreme Court held that while an appeal barred by time generally cannot be decided on merits, a 150-day delay in the particular circumstances did not warrant outright rejection. The Court emphasised that procedural delays must be balanced against substantive justice, and the appeal was allowed with directions to the National Commission to reconsider the matter appropriately."
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