IN THE HIGH COURT OF GUJARAT AT AHMEDABAD R/CIVIL APPLICATION (FOR CONDONATION OF DELAY) NO. 5569 of 2025 In F/FIRST APPEAL/33606/2025 ========================================================== LIBERTY GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED RAJKOT Versus DEVJIBHAI @ DEVRAJBHAI GANGARAMBHAI KHANDHAR & ORS. ========================================================== Appearance: MS MASUMI V NANAVATY(9321) for the Applicant(s) No. 1 MR VIBHUTI NANAVATI(513) for the Applicant(s) No. 1 MR NISHIT A BHALODI(9597) for the Respondent(s) No. 2,3,4 NOTICE SERVED for the Respondent(s) No. 1 ========================================================== CORAM:HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE HASMUKH D. SUTHAR Date : 23/02/2026 ORAL ORDER This application is 5led under Section 5 of the Limitation Act for condonation of delay of 97 days caused in 5ling the First Appeal. Though served, respondent No.1 has not appeared. I have heard the learned advocates for the respective parties. It is submitted by the learned advocate for the applicant that the applicant could not 5le the First Appeal in timely fashion because of the reasons mentioned in the application and therefore, has requested to condone the delay caused in 5ling the First Appeal. Learned advocate for respective respondents have vehemently opposed the present application. Considering the submissions made by the learned advocates for the respective parties, the applicant has mentioned su=cient cause for condonation of delay. The primary function of the Court is to adjudicate the dispute between the p. 2 parties and to advance substantial justice. Rules of limitation are not meant to destroy the rights of parties. The Court is aware of the fact that denial to condone the delay would mean to dismiss the First Appeal at threshold and there is no presumption that the delay caused by the applicant is deliberate. In view thereof, the words ‘su=cient cause’ under Section 5 of the Limitation Act should receive a liberal consideration so as to advance substantial justice. Even reason stated appears to be bona5de and genuine. There is no smack of mala5de or dilatory tactics on the part of the applicant. Further, it is apposite to refer to the decision of the Hon’ble Apex Court in the case of N. Balakrishnan v. N. Krishnamurthy reported in (1998) 7 SCC 123. In view of the above, the delay of 97 days as explained in memo of the application is condoned. The application is allowed and disposed of accordingly. (HASMUKH D. SUTHAR, J.) Ajay