# In re: Cognizance for extension of Limitation

> SC judgment dated 2020-05-06. Citation: TCN-2020-SC-00062. The Supreme Court of India initiated a Suo Moto Writ (Civil) No. 3 of 2020 to address the extension…

- **Court:** SC
- **Order date:** 6 May 2020
- **Citation:** TCN-2020-SC-00062
- **Category:** IBC
- **Source page:** https://caseease.in/cases/ibc/supreme-court-of-india/in-re-cognizance-for-extension-of-limitation-62f28988

## Summary

### Background

The Supreme Court of India initiated a Suo Moto Writ (Civil) No. 3 of 2020 to address the extension of limitation periods due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The court took cognizance of the difficulties faced by lawyers and litigants in filing proceedings physically. Several interlocutory applications (IAs) were filed, including those seeking clarification/direction and intervention.

## Facts

The Supreme Court initiated Suo Moto Writ (Civil) No. 3 of 2020 to address the extension of limitation periods due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The court acknowledged the difficulties faced by lawyers and litigants in physically filing proceedings. Several IAs were filed, seeking clarification, direction, and intervention. The court considered the impact of the pandemic and lockdowns on the ability of parties to adhere to prescribed limitation periods under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 and the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. The court's decision was influenced by the need to ensure access to justice during the pandemic.

## Issues and analysis

### Issue 1: Whether the periods of limitation prescribed under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 and …

**Ratio:** The principle of extending limitation periods in exceptional circumstances, such as a

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**Reasoning:** The court reasoned that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns created

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**Interpretation:** The court interpreted the existing laws on limitation in light of the

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**Application:** The court applied the principle of extending limitation periods to the specific

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## Parties

- **Judges:** THE CHIEF J…; DEEPAK…; +1 more
- **Respondents:** Union of…

## Timeline

- **2020-03-23 — Earlier…**: The Court passed an earlier order in Suo…
- **2020-03-15 — Effective Date of…**: All periods of limitation were…

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