New Practice Direction in force from 2nd April 2020

The Master of the Rolls and the Lord Chancellor have signed a new Practice Direction 51ZA, which can be found here:-

https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/civil/rules/practice-direction-51za-extension-of-time-limits-and-clarification-of-practice-direction-51y-coronavirus

The Practice Direction is in force from 2^nd April 2020 and will last until 30 October 2020.

The main impact is that it allows parties to agree an extension of time for complying with procedural time limits in the CPR, Practice Directions and court orders of up to 56 days (rather than the current 28 days), so long as a hearing date is not put at risk.

Any extension of time beyond 56 days must be agreed by the Court. When considering such an application for permission, as well as applications for adjournments or relief from sanctions, the Court is required to consider the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

For more information on this subject, please contact Sunil Patel by email on spatel@jpclaw.co.uk or telephone 020 76644 7278 or connect with him on LinkedIn.