The nationwide lockdown as a consequence of the COVID-19 crisis
has gravely impacted both small and large businesses across the country. The
spread of the novel coronavirus globally has impaired some of the world’s
strongest economies. In this era of globalisation and unprecedented amounts of
international trade, lockdowns in large parts of the world have left suppliers
and contractors with no possible means of honouring their contractual
obligations within time. In such a situation, more and more parties are trying
to seek protection under the force majeure clause to obtain some temporary relief
from performance. This article discusses some of the key aspects related to
force majeure and the scope of its applicability to the current crisis.