STATE OF WEST BENGAL vs ADMINISTRATOR, HOWRAH MUNICIPALITY & ORS.

The Supreme Court ruled that 'sufficient cause' under Section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963 must be liberally construed to promote substantial justice, particularly when no negligence or inaction is attributable to the party. The Court held that the High Court erred in dismissing the appellant's application for delay in filing an appeal without adequately scrutinizing the reasons provided. The appellant's reliance on legal advice and subsequent diligent steps taken to challenge the decision were deemed sufficient to excuse the delay, thus allowing the appeal.