BOOTAMAL vs UNION OF INDIA

The Supreme Court held that under Article 31 of the Indian Limitation Act, 1908, the limitation period for a suit against a carrier for non-delivery of goods begins when the goods ought to have been delivered, not from the date of final refusal. The Court emphasized that the words in Article 31 must be interpreted strictly, and equitable considerations are not applicable. The suit was deemed barred by time as it was filed more than a year after the reasonable time for delivery had elapsed, thus affirming the Punjab High Court's decision.