JUDGMENT

A.K. SIKRI, J.

The present appeal is filed impugning the final judgment and order dated November 21, 2016 passed by the High Court of Judicature at Bombay in Commercial Appeal No. 33 of 2016 in Notice of Motion No. 1211 of 2015 in Suit No. 3813 of 2000 with Notice of Motion No. 1706 of 2016 in Appeal No. 420 of 2016 in Notice of Motion No. 1211 of 2015 in Suit No. 3813 of 2000, whereby the High Court has dismissed the appeal filed by the appellant challenging the order dated March 15, 2016 passed by the learned Single Judge in Notice of Motion No. 1211 of 2015 in Suit No. 3813 of 2000.

2. The Notice of Motion filed by the respondents was for condonation of delay in filing the written statement. Delay was of 15 years and 54 days (though according to the appellant it is 14 years and 166 days). The learned Single Judge condoned the delay vide order dated March 15, 2016 with a cost of Rs.5 lakhs which was ordered to be paid by the respondents to the appellant. Aggrieved by the said order condoning such an inordinate delay, the appellant preferred appeal before the Division Bench which has affirmed the order passed by the Single Judge and dismissed the appeal of the appellant.

3