NEW DELHI: Beginning next week, the Supreme Court judges will resume sitting in courtrooms to hear cases during COVID19 pandemic.
However, keeping in view the requirements of physical distancing, hearings would be conducted through video links using VIDYO app, with lawyers arguing their cases from their respective chambers.
After the COVID19 lockdown began on March 24, the Supreme Court premises has remained out of bounds for judges, lawyers, litigants with only urgent cases being taken up for hearing via video conferencing.
On Tuesday, a Bench headed by Justice LN Rao assembled in a courtroom in the Supreme Court premises as a part of the pilot project.
“Are your Lordships sitting in a courtroom?” asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta after observing the background in which the Branch led by Justice Rao was sitting.
“Yes. It’s a pilot project. From next week we will be sitting here only. Lawyers can argue from their chamber.”
“Good idea…It will also ensure we don’t infect each other,” Mehta responded.
On May 3, the top court had issued a circular requiring all officers in the ranks of Deputy Registrar and above to attend office from May 4.
In partial modification of earlier orders, Chief Justice of India SA Bobde had direct that the remaining staff shall continue to work from home on terms and conditions notified earlier.
However, the circular had said Registrars concerned may direct any other subordinate officers and staff to attend office to meet any urgent requirements and, on such direction, such officer and/or staff shall report for duty at office on the date and time so directed.
It had emphasised that all officers and staff, while commuting to and from office and also while at work, shall strictly follow all precautions as per advisory/guidelines issued by the central government, and also as directed by the Registry, from time to time towards preventing the spread of the Covid-19 infection, like practicing social-distancing, undergoing thermal-screening, submitting self-declaration forms, wearing face masks.