Delhi High Court Extends Limitation Period for PMLA Attachment Proceedings due to Covid 19

The Delhi High Court has held that Supreme Court directions extending limitation periods due to COVID-19 apply to adjudication and confirmation of property attachments under Section 8 of the PMLA.

A Bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar observed that these directions cover both general and special laws unless expressly excluded. Accordingly, the limitation period for proceedings under Section 8 is extended.

The Court noted that the Adjudicating Authority under Section 8 performs a quasi-judicial function, ensuring notice, hearing, evidence evaluation, and reasoned decisions.

The ruling safeguards litigants’ rights by preventing pandemic-related delays from prejudicing their claims.

[Directorate of Enforcement v. Shivakriti Agro Pvt. Ltd. & Ors.]