In State of Odisha v. Managing Committee of Namatara Girls High School, the Supreme Court held that condonation of delay is not a matter of right but depends on the Court’s discretion. The State had challenged a High Court order after significant delay and sought condonation citing administrative approvals and procedural formalities. The Court found the explanation unsatisfactory and criticised the State for its “lethargic and indolent” approach. It reiterated that routine bureaucratic delays cannot justify ignoring limitation periods. Government authorities are not entitled to special privilege under limitation law. Finding no sufficient cause for the delay, the Court refused to condone it and dismissed the State’s Special Leave Petition as time-barred.