By observing that the lockdown was prima facie in the nature of
a force majeure, the Delhi High Court in Halliburton Offshore
Services Inc vs Vedanta & Anr. case has perhaps given the other
courts a food for thought.
We share with you a short brief that helps analyse the order
passed on April 20,2020 ("Order") by Delhi High
Court.
Brief facts leading to the matter on hand:
Vedanta (Respondent in the matter) had floated a tender for
integrated development of three blocks (Mangala, Bhagyam and
Aishwarya) in Rajasthan, for which Halliburton Offshore Services
Inc (Petitioner in the matter) were successfully awarded the
contract.
Under the contract, various Performance, Liquidated Damages and
Advance bank guarantees were furnished by Halliburton. It was
agreed between parties that the period to complete work by
Halliburton was to be extended, until March 31,2020.
