As per case facts, a writ petition was decided, and the State sought to appeal the order, but the appeal was filed with a substantial delay. The State explained the ... delay was due to governmental formalities. Earlier, the Supreme Court had already dismissed the State's Special Leave Petition in similar matters, also due to delay. The question arose whether the significant delay in filing the current appeal by the State could be condoned, considering the explanations provided and established legal principles regarding limitation. Finally, the High Court, relying on Supreme Court precedents, found that the State failed to provide a proper or satisfactory explanation for the extensive delay. Condonation of delay is an exception, not a right, especially for government entities expected to act diligently. Given the previous dismissal of a related SLP by the Apex Court on delay grounds, the High Court dismissed the writ appeal due to delay and laches.