[2001] KECA 175 (KLR)
The court found that the period between the striking out of the previous appeal and the filing of the present application for extension of time was not inordinate. There was no delay to explain for the period during which the previous appeal was pending. The applicant was therefore entitled to the exercise of the...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2001] KECA 175 (KLR)
- Parties
- Applicant: Crescent Construction Co. Ltd.; Respondent: Delphis Bank Limited
- Court
- Court of Appeal
- Court Station
- Court of Appeal at Nairobi
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Civil Application 54 of 2001
- Procedural Posture
- Extension of Time Application / Ruling on Application for Extension of Time to File Notice and Record of Appeal
- Outcome
- application allowed
- Legal Topics
- Extension of Time, Appeals Process, Exercise of Discretion
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Crescent Construction Co. Ltd.
Applicant
Delphis Bank Limited
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Extension of Time Application / Ruling on Application for Extension of Time to File Notice and Record of Appeal
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the applicant should be granted an extension of time to file a notice and record of appeal.
- 2 Whether the period between the striking out of the previous appeal and the filing of the current application constitutes inexcusable delay.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the period between the striking out of the previous appeal and the filing of the present application for extension of time was not inordinate. There was no delay to explain for the period during which the previous appeal was pending. The applicant was therefore entitled to the exercise of the court's discretion in its favour to allow the extension of time, thereby enabling the applicant to pursue its right of appeal. The court emphasized that the right of appeal should not be denied where there is no culpable delay or prejudice to the respondent.
Court Disposition
application allowed
Orders
- The applicant must lodge its notice of appeal and serve the same on the respondent within seven days of the date hereof.
- The record of appeal must be lodged within fourteen days from the date the notice of appeal is lodged in court.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
19 paragraphs
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL AT NAIROBI CORAM: OMOLO, J.A. (IN CHAMBERS) CIVIL APPLICATION NO. NAI. 54 OF 2001
BETWEEN
CRESCENT CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. ..................... APPLICANT
AND
DELPHIS BANK LIMITED ...........................................RESPONDENT
(An application for extension of time to file Notice and Record of Appeal in an intended appeal from a Ruling of the High Court of Kenya at Nairobi (Keiwua, J.) dated 15th December, 1998
in
H.C.C.C. NO. 4082 OF 1994) ********************
R U L I N G:
It is true the decision sought to be challenged on appeal was delivered on 15th December, 1998 but there is no denying. The fact that Civil Appeal No. 33 of 1999 was actually lodged against the decision. That appeal it is admitted, was struck out by the Court on 19th February, 2001. So there cannot be any question of delay to explain for the period covering 15th December, 1998 and 19th february, 2001. The only delay, if it can be so designated in the period between 21st February, 2001 when the previous appeal was struck out and the 5th March, 2001 when this motion was filed.
In my view that period does not constitute such a delay as would entitle me to deprive the applicant of the exercise of my discretion in its favour. I think I should exercise my discretion in such a way as would give the applicant its undoubted right of appeal. That being my view of the matter, I allow the motion lodged in this Court on 5th March, 2001 and make the following orders:-
1. The applicant must lodge its notice of appeal and serve the same on the respondent within seven days of the date hereof.
2. The record of appeal must be lodged within fourteen days from the date the notice of appeal is lodged in court. 3. The costs of this motion shall be in the intended appeal.
4. If the applicant fails to comply with orders numbered one and two herein within the exipulated periods, this motion shall stand dismissed with costs shall stand dismissed without further orders of the court.
Dated and delivered at Nairobi this 14th day of June, 2001.
R. S. C. OMOLO
……………………… JUDGE OF APPEAL
I certify that this is a true copy of the original.
DEPUTY REGISTRAR