ORDER

1. This matter is taken up by video conferencing mode.

2. Heard Mr. Ashok Parija, learned Advocate General for the State of Odisha, Mr. P.K. Parhi, learned Assistant Solicitor General for the Union of India and Mr. D. P. Dash, learned Vice President and Dr. J.K. Lenka, Secretary, Orissa High Court Bar Association.

3. The Supreme Court by order dated 23rd March, 2020 in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 3 of 2020 (In Re: Cognizance for Extension of Limitation) had issued the following directions:

'This Court has taken Suo Motu cognizance of the situation arising out of the challenge faced by the country on account of Covid-19 Virus and resultant difficulties that may be faced by litigants across the country in filing their petitions/applications/suits/ appeals/all other proceedings within the period of limitation prescribed under the general law of limitation or under Special Laws (both Central and/or State).

To obviate such difficulties and to ensure that lawyers/litigants do not have to come physically to file such proceedings in respective Courts/Tribunals across the country including this Court, it is hereby ordered that a period of limitation in all such proceedings, irres