European Court of Human Rights exceptionally extends deadlines for another two months

The European Court of Human Rights continues to register incoming cases, to allocate them, and to hear Rule 39 requests for interim measures, but has taken other measures in response to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 crisis.

Filing new cases

On 16 March 2020, the European Court of Human Rights decided to extend certain deadlines relating to the lodging of a case under Article 35 of the European Convention of Human Rights for one month. That deadline has now been extended for a further two-month period from 16 April 2020 to 15 June 2020 inclusive. 

Pending cases

It had also decided on that date in March to extend time-limits that had been allotted in pending proceedings to be extended for a one-month period. Those time-limits are also now extended for a further two months, from 16 April 2020 onwards. 

Grand Chamber referral requests

The ECtHR has however decided that no extension applies to the three-month period under

Article 43 ECHR for requesting that a case be referred to the Grand Chamber.

Access the ECtHR’s press release here.