RAVINDRA NATH vs STATE BANK OF INDIA .

The Supreme Court held that the High Court erred in rejecting the writ petition solely on the ground of delay, as the delay was sufficiently explained by the appellant. The Court emphasized that the initial acceptance of the writ petition by the High Court indicated that the matter warranted consideration on merits. The Court restored the writ petition for a decision on merits, subject to the appellant paying costs of Rs. 10,000 to the respondents within two months. The impugned order was set aside, and the High Court was directed to dispose of the writ petition within three months after the payment of costs.