Summary

Lisa, S.A. filed a summary opposition lawsuit to challenge its exclusion as a shareholder of Reproductores Avícolas, S.A. During the proceedings, Reproductores sought to terminate the case by alleging caducidad (expiration of the trial stage due to inactivity). Courts at all levels ruled against Reproductores, confirming that the delays were attributable to the court itself, not to Lisa.

Decisions

Ninth Civil Court of First Instance
June 7th, 2017
Issues

Whether the opposition lawsuit had expired by caducidad after more than six months of inactivity.

Ruling

The court rejected the caducidad incident, explaining that pending notifications prevented the case from being considered inactive.

Effect

Lisa’s opposition lawsuit continued; Reproductores appealed.

Second Civil and Commercial Court of Appeals
March 9th, 2022
Issues

Reproductores appealed the rejection of caducidad.

Ruling

The appellate court denied the appeal, confirming that there was no caducidad because the delays were caused by judicial notifications, not by Lisa.

Effect

The first instance ruling stood; Lisa’s lawsuit remained active.

Supreme Court, Amparo Chamber
June 6th, 2023
Issues

Reproductores filed an amparo, claiming violation of due process when caducidad was denied.

Ruling

The Amparo Chamber denied the amparo as inadmissible, holding that inactivity was attributable to the court, not Lisa. A fine of Q.1,000 was imposed on Reproductores’ attorney.

Effect

The appellate ruling remained firm; Lisa’s lawsuit continued.

Amparo Ruling|Supreme CourtJune 6th, 2023
Constitutional Court
September 11th, 2024
Issues

Reproductores appealed the denial of amparo, again insisting on caducidad.

Ruling

The Constitutional Court dismissed the appeal and confirmed the denial of amparo, reiterating that the inactivity was caused by judicial officers. Another fine was imposed on Reproductores’ counsel.

Effect

Constitutional review was closed; Lisa’s opposition lawsuit remains protected from termination by caducidad.

Amparo Ruling|The Constitutional CourtSeptember 11th, 2024

Conclusion

Up to now, the Guatemalan courts have only resolved procedural challenges concerning caducidad, all of which were decided in Lisa’s favor. These rulings confirmed that Lisa cannot lose its case due to delays attributable to the court. Importantly, the opposition lawsuit itself — challenging Lisa’s exclusion as shareholder of Reproductores Avícolas — is still pending and has not yet been resolved on the merits.