New Delhi, May 1 -- The Ministry of Finance has said that contractors and suppliers executing contracts with government entities will be given additional time and will not face penalties if their work has been disrupted due to the ongoing West Asia situation, according to an official memorandum.

In the Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Expenditure, the government clarified that delays caused due to such disruptions will be treated under the "Force Majeure" clause, which allows relief in extraordinary circumstances beyond human control.

"A Force Majeure (FM) means extraordinary events or circumstances beyond human control... such as a war...," the ministry said, adding that such a clause "frees both parties from contractual l...