Limitation will not affect the litigants: SC has invoked extraordinary powers to reduce the impact of Corona on future cases [Read the Order]

Supreme Court has today taken suo moto cognizance of the impact of closure of courts on future litigants and directed that limitation under any law shall stand extended till further orders.

The case is titled as In re: Cognizance for extenssion of limitation and order has been passed by a bench of CJI Bobde, Justice Rao and Justice Kant on 23.03.2020.

Supreme Court observed and held as under:

"This Court has taken Suo Motu cognizance of the situation arising out of the challenge faced by the country on account of Covid-19 Virus and resultant difficulties that may be faced by litigants across the country in filing their petitions/applications/suits/ appeals/all other proceedings within the period of limitation prescribed under the general law of limitation or under Special Laws (both Central and/or State).

To obviate such difficulties and to ensure that lawyers/litigants do not have to come physically to file such proceedings in respective Courts/Tribunals across the country including this Court, it is hereby ordered that a period of limitation in all such proceedings, irrespective of the limitation prescribed under the general law or Special Laws whether condonable or not shall stand extended w.e.f. 15th March 2020 till further order/s to be passed by this Court in present proceedings.

We are exercising this power under Article 142 read with Article 141 of the Constitution of India and declare that this order is a binding order within the meaning of Article 141 on all Courts/Tribunals and authorities".

Read the Order here: