EXTENSION OF THE LIMITATION PERIOD FOR ARBITRATION AND SECTION 138 NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS ACT MATTERS

The Hon’ble Supreme Court on 6^th May, 2020 passed the following orders in Suo Moto Writ (Civil) No. 3 of 2020:

• All periods of limitation prescribed under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (“Arbitration Act”) and under section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881 (“Negotiable Instruments Act”) shall be extended with effect from 15^th March, 2020 till further orders to be passed by the Supreme Court.
• In case the limitation has expired after 15^th March, 2020, then the period from 15^th March, 2020 till the date on which the lockdown is lifted in that jurisdictional area where the dispute lies or where the cause of action arises, shall be extended for a period of 15 days after the lifting of lockdown.

The above order has been passed:

1. taking into consideration the effect of the COVID 19;
2. to obviate the resultant difficulties being faced by lawyers and litigants; and
3. to ensure that lawyers/litigants do not have to come physically to file such proceedings in respective Courts/Tribunal across the country including this Court.