LALA MATA DIN vs A. NARAYANAN

The Supreme Court held that the High Court erred in not extending time under Section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1908 for the appellant's appeal. The Court found that the delay was due to a bona fide mistake of counsel regarding the proper forum for appeal, as the original valuation determined the High Court as the appropriate venue. The Court clarified that a mistake of counsel can be a sufficient ground for condoning delay if it is not tainted by mala fide motives, thus allowing the appeal and setting aside the High Court's dismissal.