Govt can’t justify appeal delays citing bureaucracy: Allahabad HCThe Allahabad High Court ruled that government departments cannot seek condonation of delay in arbitration appeals by citing bureaucratic procedures or file movement. It came while dismissing a special appeal filed by the Ministry of Railways against an order of the Commercial Court, Lucknow. The Railways challenged the arbitral award before the Commercial Court, but its petition was filed beyond the prescribed limitation period. The court rejected its plea for condonation of delay, prompting the ministry to approach the high court. Dismissing the appeal, the high court observed that the Supreme Court has consistently held that condonation of delay is “an exception and not a rule”.