As per case facts, the appellant won a title suit for land possession, but the first Appellate Court granted only compensation due to substantial construction by the Karnataka Housing Board ... (KHB). The KHB belatedly filed a second appeal after over ten years, only after the appellant initiated execution proceedings. The High Court condoned the delay of 3966 days, which the appellant challenged. The question arose whether the High Court was justified in condoning the gross delay of 3966 days by the KHB on the grounds of administrative lapses. Finally, the Supreme Court allowed the appeal, setting aside the High Court's order, holding that administrative lethargy and laxity are not a "sufficient cause" for condoning gross delay, especially when the KHB failed to demonstrate reasonable diligence.