Meaning of the
expression “sufficient cause”:
The Hon’ble Supreme Court In Balwant Singh (Dead) vs Jagdish Singh & Ors [2010(8) SCC685], explaining the meaning of sufficient cause, has held that “The expression `sufficient cause' implies the presence of legal and
adequate reasons. The word `sufficient' means adequate enough, as much as may
be necessary to answer the purpose intended. It embraces no more than that
which provides a plentitude which, when done, suffices to accomplish the
purpose intended in the light of existing circumstances and when viewed from
the reasonable standard of practical and cautious men.
The sufficient cause should
be such as it would persuade the Court, in exercise of its judicial discretion,
to treat the delay as an excusable one. These provisions give the Courts enough
power and discretion to apply a law in a meaningful manner, while assuring that
the purpose of enacting such a law does not stand frustrated. We find it
unnecessary to discuss the instances which would fall under either of these
classes of cases. The party should show that besides acting bona fide, it had
taken all possible steps within its power and control and had approached the
Court without any unnecessary delay. The test is whether or not a cause is
sufficient to see whether it could have been avoided by the party by the
exercise of due care and attention.
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