The coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) served as a trigger for a targeted effort to assess and manage the possible effects of it. The Russian Government continues to update the measures taken or introduce new ones, trying to act ahead of the possible adverse consequences. Our lawyers are closely monitoring the situation, watching out for the new measures introduced in relation to the coronavirus.
We offer overview of key legislative changes and recommendations for business in the current pandemic.

The Constitutional Court and Supreme court continue to clarify the novels in procedural codes on professional judicial representatives. Recall that earlier, in June, the Supreme Court in the Review of Judicial Practice No. 1 dated 06/10/2020 indicated that the law degree requirements do not relate to representatives in bankruptcy cases. Recently, the Constitutional Court in its decision ruled that the interests of legal entities can be represented by employees, founders (shareholders) and other persons without a law degree.

On April 30, 2020, The Presidium of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation (hereinafter referred to as “the SC”) adopted the Review on certain matters of judicial practice related to the application of legislation and measures to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) No. 2 (hereinafter “Review”). The release of the second review was known in advance: it was reported on the official website of the SC, and after the release of the first review many unresolved issues remained.

In view of the ruling of the Presidium of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and the Presidium of the Council of Judges of the Russian Federation from March 18, 2020 Russian courts have been working in a new “self-isolated” regime for just over a month. Personal reception of citizens in courts is suspended, it is recommended to submit documents through electronic reception of courts, and courts are considering only certain categories of cases.

Now parties can add up the idea of how to exercise the right to defer debt repayment under lease agreement.

On March 3, 2020, the Russian Government introduced to the State Duma the Draft Law on amendments to the Russian Civil Code, namely, article 1360.1.

On December 25, 2019 the Presidium of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation adopted the Judicial Review on certain issues arising in the application of law on business companies.