The High Court’s approach was incorrect

The High Court held that the order of condonation could follow cognisance. It also regarded the initial irregularity as curable. The Supreme Court found that approach inconsistent with the proviso. Sufficient cause had to be accepted before cognisance. The defect was not merely a formal irregularity. It concerned compliance with a statutory precondition. The order refusing to quash the complaint was set aside. The appeal was allowed. (S. Nagesh v. Shobha S. Aradhya | 2026 INSC 27)