Ergo

Earlier today, i.e., 23 March 2020, the Supreme Court of India (SC), in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 3/2020, took suo motu cognisance of the difficulties faced by litigants due to the rapidly escalating corona virus outbreak (COVID-19).

The SC pronounced an order under Article 142 of the Constitution of India extending the period of limitation with effect from 15 March 2020 till further order(s) are passed by the SC.

The extension applies to all proceedings such as the filing of petitions / applications / suits / appeals, in any court / tribunal / forum in India, irrespective of the limitation prescribed under the general law or special law (either central or state), whether condonable or not.

Such a step will provide immense relief to litigants across the country who are due to make filings in various courts / tribunals and are unable to be physically present in court, or undertake any travel for these filings on account of the ‘lockdown’ measures.

We will keep you updated on any further orders passed by the SC with regards to the extension of the limitation period applicable to any proceedings.

-       Manavendra Mishra (Principal Associate) and Rajeswari Mukherjee (Associate)

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