Teesha –
The Kerala High Court in the purview of COVID lockdown in the state, extended the interim orders granted on May 19, 2021 till June 15, 2021. It includes orders relating to Section 138 of the Negotiable Instrument Act and Interim Bails.
The Bench of Chief justice S. Manikumar, Justice C.T. Ravikumar and Shaji P. Chaly issued the Order in accordance to a Full Bench on 2nd June.
On May 19, the Court passed an interim order that no coercive actions would be taken till May 31, 2021. The said interim order expired on 31 May, therefore the matter was listed for 1st June as the Gov extended the lockdown from 31 May to June 9.
The Court directed that for the cases arising due to proceedings under section 138 the final judgement could be given, directing payment of amounts, appearance of parties etc.
However, the Bench also cleared that in these cases as well there would be an interim order not to enforce the final judgement, wherever a revision petition/appeal could not be filed due to the lockdown restrictions.
Additionally, the Court said that on the aspect of limitation, parties will get protection under orders of the Hon’ble Apex Court.