Dispute Resolution: Legal Milestones Financial Year 2020-21 And A Look Ahead

THE YEAR THAT WAS

For the dispute resolution practice, the past financial year has been shaped primarily by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the initial disruption due to the national lockdown imposed by the Indian government, the legislature and judiciary moved swiftly to take measures to ensure fairness to pandemic-affected parties and seamless dispensation of justice.

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) remained suspended to prevent further strain on cash strapped businesses affected by the pandemic. An extension to the limitation period declared by the Supreme Court ensured that a party’s right to seek relief against a counterparty was unaffected by delays caused due to the pandemic. Further, a significant transition, albeit temporary, of the judicial system to virtual meeting platforms offered a glimpse into the possible future of the Indian justice system.

The year also witnessed key developments in the insolvency and arbitration space. Pursuant to amendments to the IBC and related regulations in March 2020, initiation of corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) for defaults occurring since the pandemic-induced national lockdown remained suspended. Further, extensions for actions under CIRP and liquidation timelines were provided due to the nationwide lockdown. Separately, the Supreme Court provided much-needed clarity on the ability of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) to adjudicate contractual disputes concerning a corporate debtor undergoing insolvency resolution.

Under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (Arbitration Act) unconditional stay will now be granted for enforcement of domestic arbitral awards if there is a prima facie case of fraud or corruption. Further, courts have rendered certain key decisions including those favoring enforcement of foreign awards; clarifying the validity of reliefs granted in emergency arbitrations; and holding that landlord-tenant disputes (not covered by Rent Control laws) are arbitrable.

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