NCLAT Directs Partial Temporary Relaxation On Physical Filing, Modifies SOP For Allowing E Filing In View Of Covid

Taking note of the recent surge in Covid 19 situation, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal has directed partial temporary relaxation in physical filing as per its earlier Standard Operating Procedure dated January 3, 2021 by allowing e filing of appeals, replies, IAs, rejoinders etc.

The notice issued by the Registrar on Monday in this regard reads thus:

"It is directed by the Competent Authority that if in any matter the Learned Advocates, Authorised Representatives, Parties-in-person find difficulty in filing hard copies due to existing cOVID-19 pandemic situation, they may e-file with the Appeal, Interlocutory Application, Reply, Rejoinder etc. an Undertaking, in format, that they shall file hard copies of the Appeal, Interlocutory Application, Reply, Rejoinder etc. as per the procedure prescribed under the NCLAT Rules, 2016, when Tribunal resumes physical hearings, or until further orders in this regard as may be passed by the Competent Authority, whichever is earlier. However, if in given matter, the Bench hearing the matter so specifically directs, the parties will file Hard Copies as may be directed by the Bench."

According to the earlier SOP, Advocates or Parties were mandated to file the Appeal/ Interlocutory Application/ Reply/ Rejoinder etc. in hard copy as per the procedure prescribed in NCLAT Rules, 2016 along with the e-filing receipt. However, with this notice, the previous SOP is modified.

"Considering the above, the Competent Authority has, till the present precarious conditions created by cOVID-19 pandemic continues, been pleased to direct partial temporary relaxation of the above directions in Revised Standard Operating Procedure dated 3 January, 2021..." The Notice reads.

Click Here To Read Notice