TOPLINE SHOES LTD. vs CORPORATION BANK

The Supreme Court examined whether the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has the authority to grant an extension for filing a reply beyond the 45-day limit prescribed under Section 13(2)(a) of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The appellant challenged the acceptance of a reply filed by the respondent bank after the statutory period. The core legal issue is whether the timeline for filing a response in consumer disputes is mandatory or directory.