Delhi High Court Takes SUO Moto Cognizance and Directs Interim Orders to Continue Till 15.07.2020

• Author(s): Madhu Sweta
• Date: 17-Jun-2020
• Post in: Litigation

Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in India, the Indian Government announced a total lockdown of 21 days with effect from 25.03.2020. The Hon’ble Delhi High Court observed that due to the lock down, advocates and litigants have not been in a position to appear in the matters, including those where stay/bails/paroles have been granted. Considering the gravity of the situation and hardship which may be caused to the litigants, the Hon’ble Delhi High Court took suo-moto cognizance of the issue on 25.03.2020 and 15.05.2020 and passed certain directions extending interim orders. In continuation of the said orders the Hon’ble High Court passed an order dated 15.06.2020 and held that all the interim orders passed by the High court and subordinate courts to continue till 15.07.2020 with the same terms and conditions in view of prevalent situation in Delhi and limited functioning of court. The High Court clarified that all the matters pending before it and courts subordinate to it, wherein interim orders issued were subsisting as on 15.06.2020 and expired or about to expire thereafter, the same shall stand automatically extended till 15.07.2020 or until further orders, except where any orders to the contrary have been passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in any particular matter, during the intervening period. The said order ends the dilemma amongst the litigants and the legal fraternity. The Court further clarified that in case any hardship is caused due the extension of interim order, of an extreme nature to a party to such proceeding, they are at liberty to seek appropriate relief.