Under what circumstances can a judge extend the time for making an appeal?

A judge can extend the time for making an appeal when reasonable grounds for the appeal are shown. This principle is grounded in the idea that the judiciary seeks to ensure that justice is served and that parties have a fair opportunity to present their cases. When an appellant can demonstrate valid reasons for needing more time—such as complexities in the case, newly discovered evidence, or difficulties in obtaining necessary documentation—the judge may grant an extension to enable the appeal to proceed in a just manner.

This requirement for showing reasonable grounds also helps to balance the legal system's interests in maintaining timelines and ensuring that appeals are not unduly delayed. It reflects the court's discretion to assess the merits of extending deadlines rather than issuing blanket approvals based solely on the judge's preferences, the subject matter of the appeal, or without the necessary justification for the extension.