#Condonation of delay in gratuity appeals

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has held that appeals under Section 7(7) of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 must be filed within 120 days-60 days statutory plus 60 days condonable delay-and any delay beyond this period renders the appeal non-maintainable. This reinforces that statutory limitation periods in special enactments like the Gratuity Act are strictly enforceable, affecting employers and beneficiaries alike in gratuity disputes.