As per case facts, the Petitioner, a judicial officer, was charge-sheeted in disciplinary proceedings but failed to submit a written statement of defence within the statutory 45 days due to ... various reasons, including judicial custody and requests for documents. Despite the deadline passing, the inquiry officer granted liberal adjournments, delaying witness examination significantly. The Petitioner approached the High Court seeking permission to submit the defence statement now. The question arose whether the Petitioner held a right to submit a written statement of defence after the statutory period had expired and the inquiry had progressed. Finally, the Court rejected the Petitioner's plea, affirming that no such right existed after the prescribed time, especially since extensions were denied. It criticized the inquiry's delay and directed its expeditious conclusion within strict timelines for all future cases.