Suspension of Limitation Period
Taking suo moto cognisance of difficulties faced by
litigants in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to avoid overcrowding at filing
counters in courts, the Supreme Court has passed an order dated 23 March 2020
with respect to the period of limitation for filing requirements.
A 3 judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by the Chief
Justice of India, exercising its powers under Article 142 read with Article 141
of the Constitution of India, directed that the period of limitation in all
proceedings before any Court/Tribunal, irrespective of the limitation
prescribed under the general law or special law, whether condonable or not, would
stand extended with effect from 15 March 2020 till any further orders passed by
the Supreme Court in this regard.
In effect, if the limitation period for filing of any
proceeding, be it a petition, application, suit, appeal or any other proceeding,
expired on or after 15 March 2020, the same stands extended. The date till
which limitation would stand extended will be notified by the Supreme Court in
its subsequent orders.
The order, having been passed under Articles 141 and 142 of
the Constitution of India, has the effect of law and is binding on all courts,
tribunals and authorities.