HC extends all interim orders till May 31

The court takes the decision in view of spike in Covid cases in Uttar Pradesh

PRAYAGRAJ : The Allahabad High Court on Saturday extended till May 31 all interim orders, subsisting as on March 15, 2021, passed by it and subordinate courts across Uttar Pradesh owing to the upsurge in Covid cases in the state. The court also asked banks to not auction any property of nonperforming asset (NPA) accounts.

The bench comprising acting Chief Justice Sanjay Yadav and Justice Prakash Padia passed the order while reviving the suo moto public interest litigation (PIL) petition registered last year.

“All interim orders passed by the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad as well as at Lucknow, all the District Courts, Civil Courts, Family Courts, Labour Courts, Industrial Tribunals and all other Tribunals or Quasi-Judicial forums in the State of Uttar Pradesh over which this Court has power of superintendence which were subsisting on 15.03.2021 shall stand extended till 31.05.2021,” the bench observed.

“Interim orders or directions of this Court or any court subordinate to this Court in the State of Uttar Pradesh which are meant to operate till further orders shall continue to remain in force until modified by specific order of the court concerned,” the court clarified.

Further, criminal courts which granted bail orders or anticipatory bail for a limited period, which are likely to expire on or before May 31, 2021, shall stand extended till May 31—the next date of hearing in the case.

“Any orders of eviction, dispossession or demolition already passed by the high court, district court or civil court, if not executed till today (Saturday) shall remain in abeyance till the next date of hearing of the PIL,” the court said. The bench further said any bank or financial institution shall not take any action for auction in respect of any property, institute, person, party or corporate till May 31.

However, the court made it clear that in case of extension of interim orders as per the present order, any undue hardship and prejudice of any extreme nature is caused to any of the party to such proceedings, the said party/parties would be at liberty to seek appropriate relief by moving appropriate application before the competent court, tribunal etc.

CRIMINAL COURTS WHICH GRANTED BAIL ORDERS FOR A LIMITED PERIOD, WHICH ARE LIKELY TO EXPIRE ON OR BEFORE MAY 31 SHALL STAND EXTENDED TILL MAY 31