SREELEATHERS LIMITED Vs. PIC DEPARTMENTALS PVT. LTD.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Leave sought by the appellant defendant (the defendant) to file their written statement, after condonation of delay was refused by the learned single judge by the impugned judgment and order dtd. 12/6/2023. The defendant appeals to this court.

(2.) The suit is of 1999. It was filed on 30/9/1999. The writ of summons was served on the defendant on 28/1/2000. They entered appearance on 3/2/2000. Although it is referred to in the impugned judgment and order that the defendant contested various interlocutory applications, the details are not forthcoming. What is on record is a status of the report of the suit dtd. 1/3/2000 to the effect that the suit was "disposed of" on 1/3/2000. According to them, having learnt that the suit was disposed of they did not feel it necessary to show any further interest in it.

(3.) It is common ground that the suit did not progress any further till 2017. On 17/1/2017 the suit came up for trial.