Deependra Singh Rathore vs. Union of India
Background
The petitioner sought review of an earlier Supreme Court order arising from his special leave petition against the Union of India, but filed the review petition 337 days after the limitation period for doing so had expired. He asked the Court to condone this delay and also requested an oral hearing on the review.
Decision Breakdown
The Court rejected the request for an oral hearing and found the explanation offered for the 337-day delay unsatisfactory. Because the delay could not be condoned, the review petition was dismissed purely on the ground of limitation, without the Court examining the merits of the underlying grievance at all.
Lesson Learnt
A review petition must be filed within the prescribed limitation period with a credible explanation for any delay; courts will not entertain a review on merits, however strong, if the delay in filing it is not properly justified.