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Delay Condonation & Procedural Applications

The Armed Forces Tribunal requires Original Applications to be filed within prescribed time limits — generally one year from the date of the order being challenged. But service personnel often miss this window for understandable reasons: they were posted in remote areas, did not know about the AFT, were dealing with health issues, or simply trusted that the authorities would resolve the matter. Delay condonation applications explain to the Tribunal why the delay occurred and seek permission to have the case heard despite the lapse of time. Adv. Bansal assists in preparing these applications where the facts support it.

Who Is This For

  • Personnel who missed the one-year filing window before the AFT
  • Veterans who only recently discovered their entitlements were wrongly denied
  • Those who delayed filing because they were pursuing administrative remedies
  • Families of deceased personnel who came to know of rights after a delay

Common Situations

  • Original Application filed beyond the one-year limitation period
  • Delay caused by posting in remote or operational areas
  • Delay because the applicant was pursuing the matter through representations
  • Late discovery that the pension or entitlement was wrongly computed
  • Health issues that prevented timely filing
  • Other procedural applications connected to an AFT case

How We Help

  1. 1.Assess whether the delay can be reasonably explained to the Tribunal
  2. 2.Draft the delay condonation application with supporting grounds
  3. 3.Prepare connected procedural applications as needed
  4. 4.Argue the condonation application at the AFT hearing
  5. 5.If delay is condoned, proceed with the substantive case on merits

Documents You May Need

  • Copy of the order being challenged (with date)
  • Evidence explaining the delay (posting orders, medical records, correspondence)
  • Representations submitted during the delay period
  • Any acknowledgements or responses from authorities
  • Service records and identity proof

Typical Timeline

Delay condonation applications are usually heard along with the main case or at an early stage. The Tribunal decides condonation based on the facts — if the delay is explained satisfactorily, the case proceeds to hearing on merits. The overall timeline depends on the underlying matter.

Note: Timelines are general estimates and vary based on individual circumstances, court schedules, and case complexity.

Consultation Options

  • In-person meeting at the Dwarka chamber
  • Phone or video call for outstation personnel
  • Document review over WhatsApp or email

Next Steps

  1. 1Contact Adv. Bansal with the facts — when the order was passed, why the delay occurred
  2. 2Share the relevant documents for review
  3. 3Get an honest assessment of whether the delay can be condoned
  4. 4If the facts support it, the condonation application is prepared and filed
  5. 5The matter proceeds to hearing on the substantive issue

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time limit for filing before the AFT?
An Original Application must generally be filed within one year from the date of the order being challenged. However, the Tribunal can condone the delay if sufficient cause is shown.
I missed the one-year window. Is my case over?
Not necessarily. The AFT has the power to condone delay if there is a reasonable explanation — remote posting, health issues, pursuing administrative remedies, or ignorance of rights. Each case is assessed on its own facts.
What kind of reasons does the AFT accept for condoning delay?
There is no fixed list, but common grounds include: being posted in a remote or operational area, pursuing the matter through representations, health problems, lack of awareness of the legal remedy, and family circumstances. The explanation must be genuine and supported by whatever evidence is available.
Does filing a delay condonation application guarantee the case will be heard?
No. The Tribunal will consider the facts and decide whether to condone the delay. If it is not satisfied with the explanation, the case may be dismissed on limitation. That is why a well-prepared application with proper grounds is important.
What are "other procedural applications" at the AFT?
Apart from delay condonation, there are other procedural applications that may arise in an AFT case — applications for interim relief, stay, amendment of pleadings, impleadment of parties, and so on. These are prepared as needed depending on the facts of your case.

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