Section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963 permits the admission of an appeal or application after the prescribed period on proof of:

Explanation: Section 5 lets a court admit an appeal or an application after the period of limitation has expired if the applicant/appellant satisfies the court that there was SUFFICIENT CAUSE for not presenting it within time. The test of 'sufficient cause' is lenient and functional - the court should advance substantial justice - and applies only to appeals and applications, NOT to suits. It is not confined to mistake of counsel; any bona fide and reasonable explanation may suffice. Its liberality, however, does not permit gross negligence or a plea so general as to be a convenient excuse.