M.N. Bhandari vs. Regional Engineer, H.A.L., Bengaluru, 2008 (3) SCC 787 Not the Safest Harbour

This judgment is super relevant for MH CET Law aspirants. In M.N. Bhandari vs. Regional Engineer, H.A.L., Bengaluru (2008), the SC held that a court cannot extend the time limit for filing an appeal under Civil Procedure Code, 1908 Section 96 (1). It's a straightforward interpretation - once the appeal expires, it's gone, and the High Court can't revive it. Now, many will argue that this decision is unfair, but let's see the reasoning. The court ruled that since the time limit is not a mere formality, it needs to be strictly adhered to, and extension cannot be granted merely due to procedural lapses. Agree entirely with the SC's stance here as it sets a critical benchmark for civil litigation.