Delay in filing written statement -- Condonation of delay – Application was filed prior to the judgment of the Constitution Bench – Held, said application for condonation of delay ought to have been considered on merits and should not have been dismissed on the basis of the Constitution Bench judgment in the case of New India Assurance Company Limited, (2020) 5 SCC 757, because the said judgment was to operate prospectively.

(SC) Decided on: 08.07.2021