20C. Expeditious disposal of suits.—Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), a suit filed under the provisions of this Act shall be disposed of by the court within a period of twelve months from the date of service of summons to the defendant:
Provided that the said period may be extended for a further period not exceeding six months in aggregate after recording reasons in writing for such extension by the court.]
Amendment notes
- Subs. by Act 18 of 2018, s. 10, for section 20 (w.e.f. 1-10-2018).
Text of the Specific Relief Act, 1963 (Act No. 47 of 1963), as amended up to the Specific Relief (Amendment) Act, 2018. Source: India Code, Government of India.
Despite anything in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, a court must dispose of a suit under this Act within twelve months. The period runs from service of summons on the defendant. The proviso lets the court extend it by a further period not exceeding six months in aggregate. The court must record its reasons in writing. The 2018 amendment put this provision in place of the earlier section 20.
