Delhi High Court Refers 120-Day Written-Statement Deadline Question to Larger Bench

The Delhi High Court referred to a larger Bench the question whether courts can accept written statements filed beyond the 120-day period in civil proceedings.

Background and legal issue

The referring Bench expressed disagreement with earlier rulings treating the outer time limit as inflexible. The issue concerns the boundary between procedural discipline and judicial discretion when defendants miss filing deadlines.

Court's reasoning and legal position

A reference does not itself overturn the earlier authorities or grant an extension in every case. The larger Bench must identify the governing statutory framework, including any distinction between ordinary civil and commercial disputes.

Operative effect and next step

The question remains open pending authoritative resolution. Litigants should not treat the reference as a general licence to disregard filing timelines.