THE STATE OF ODISHA vs BANABIHARI MOHAPATRA

The Supreme Court of India addressed a Special Leave Petition filed by the State of Odisha challenging the High Court's dismissal of an application for leave to appeal against the acquittal of the respondents in a murder case. The Court emphasized that in serious criminal cases, appeals should not be dismissed solely on the basis of delay, as it could lead to a miscarriage of justice. However, the Court upheld the High Court's decision, noting that the merits of the application were considered before rejecting it due to a delay of 41 days.