What is the scope of courts' power to extend the period of limitation on equitable grounds? How should courts exercise discretion under Section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963 for condoning delay? What constitutes "sufficient cause" for condoning delay in filing an appeal?

Key Points: - Supreme Court allowed appeal against High Court order condoning 1011 days delay in filing Second Appeal [1000747670001][1000747670008] - Trial Court dismissed suit for injunction on 23.04.2016; First Appellate Court allowed it on 01.02.2017; certified copy ready on 10.03.2017 [1000747670001] - High Court condoned delay reasoning that appeal should be heard on merits, no wilful negligence, and imposing costs of Rs.2,000 (!) (!) (!) - No sufficient explanation in condonation application for delay after 15.03.2017 till filing in 2021; only health issues claimed from 01.01.2017 to 15.03.2017 (!) - Law of limitation must be applied with rigour; courts cannot extend period on equitable grounds (!) (!) - Discretion to condone delay under Section 5 must be exercised judiciously; "sufficient cause" not liberally interpreted if negligence or lack of bona fides (!) (!) - Delay defeats equity; courts help the vigilant, not those who slumber over rights (!) (!) - High Court failed to exercise discretion judiciously; reasoning not germane; impugned order quashed [1000747670007] - Second Appeal No.331 of 2021 dismissed on ground of delay; no order as to costs [1000747670008]

What is the scope of courts' power to extend the period of limitation on equitable grounds?

How should courts exercise discretion under Section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963 for condoning delay?

What constitutes "sufficient cause" for condoning delay in filing an appeal?