Kuwait Court of Cassation principle number 1687

Lapse of proceedings. Its nature. A sanction imposed upon the plaintiff and those in an equivalent position where, through an act or omission, intentionally or negligently, they cause the action not to proceed for one year from the last valid procedural step. Its effect. The burden of resuming the action rests upon them. - The period for lapse does not run where the required activity falls upon the Registry. Extinction of proceedings upon the passage of five years from the last valid procedural step in the action. This limitation period is subject to grounds for suspension and interruption. - Notifying the litigants of the filing of the expert's report and the hearing scheduled for consideration of the action is the responsibility of the Registry. Example: the period of the Iraqi invasion of the country and the disruption of the courts constitute a material impediment preventing timely resumption of the action.