SREI INTERNATIONAL FINANCE LTD. vs FAIRGROWTH FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD.

The Supreme Court held that the Special Court's refusal to set aside the ex-parte decrees against Srei International Finance Ltd. was too rigid, emphasizing that a litigant should not be denied a hearing on merits unless gross negligence is established. The Court noted that the appellant had made arrangements for representation but faced unforeseen circumstances due to a serious accident of their solicitor. Consequently, the Court allowed the appeals, setting aside the ex-parte decrees and granting the appellant an opportunity to contest the cases on merits.