Delhi High Court on August 12, 2021, stated that the physical trials in the High Court were to be continued in a controlled manner effective from September 6, 2021, and from August 31, 2021, in the district courts.
The High Court further declared that the physical trials in the High Court and district courts are directed to the scale and magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic in the capital. The rules also said that the courts shall allow hybrid or video conferencing hearings if any parties ask for such effect.
Physical Hearings in the High Court
•As per the guidance of Hon’ble Chief Justice, a proper number of Benches of the High Court shall be appointed for physical hearings.
•The remaining Benches shall proceed to take up matters through video conferencing as per the current system of listing.
•The courts of Registrar and Joint Registrar (Judicial) of the High Court shall take up matters as per their respective cause lists w.e.f September 6, 2021.
•A list shall be formed for the above courts to allow to hold physical hearings once a week w.e.f September 6, 2021.
•Regarding urgent matters, the High Court stated that all the Benches of Delhi High Court and the Courts of Registrars and Joint Registrars (Judicial) will take up necessary matters through video conferencing as per the existing method till September 3, 2021.
•Whereas non-urgent or pending routine matters from August 16 to September 3, 2021, stand dismissed en bloc.
Physical Hearings in District Courts and Family Courts
•Physical hearings in the District Courts in Delhi will be continued in a controlled manner from August 31, 2021, subject to the scale and magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Principal District and Sessions Judges, Principal Judge, Family Court are required to make a list of judicial officers so that every judicial officer continues physical court once a week w.e.f August 31, 2021, while the remaining shall take up cases through video-conferencing as per the existing method.
- All the Principal District and Sessions Judges and Principal Judge, Family Court are to announce with the regulations to ensure COVID-appropriate behaviour and social distancing before enrolling the courts.
- All necessary adjustments to create UTPs to be performed in coordination with Prison and Lock-up authorities.
