Topline Shoes Ltd vs Corporation Bank

The Supreme Court held that under Section 13(2)(a) of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has the discretion to extend the time for filing a reply beyond the initial 30 days and the additional 15 days, provided the delay is not gross. The Court affirmed the Commission's decision to accept the respondent's late reply, emphasizing that procedural matters are subject to judicial discretion and should serve the ends of justice. The appeal was dismissed, upholding the Commission's order and the imposition of costs on the respondent for the delay.