Authority: Supreme Court of India
Order Date: 22 September 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: University of Allahabad & Ors. (Appellants) vs. Anjana Pandey (Respondent).
- Civil Appeal No(s). of 2026 arising from Special Leave Petition (C) No(s). 32867/2026.
- The matter stems from an impugned final judgment and order dated 21‑08‑2026 passed by the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad (SAD No. 320/2026).
- The appellants filed Special Appeal Defective No.320 of 2026 on 06‑04‑2026, exceeding the statutory filing period by 218 days.
- Appellants argued the delay was bona‑fide, caused by the elevation of the panel counsel to a High Court judge, and sought condonation.
- Respondent contended the High Court was justified in rejecting the appeal due to the delay and that the respondent had a strong case on merits.
- The Supreme Court heard senior counsel for both sides and examined the arguments.
Final Outcome
- The Court held that the High Court ought to have condoned the 218‑day delay.
- It condoned the delay of 218 days, set aside the impugned order dated 21‑08‑2026, and restored Special Appeal Defective No.320 of 2026 on the file of the High Court.
- The High Court is directed to now hear the appeal on its merits.
- All contentions remain open for advancement in the restored appeal.
- The appellants are granted liberty to seek interim orders if advised.
- The civil appeal is disposed of in terms of the signed order; pending applications, if any, stand disposed.
- The Court also issued a notice to the respondent, which was accepted by the respondent’s counsel.
Topics: Legal Procedure, Higher Education