The Delhi High Court on Thursday decided to shift the hearings to the virtual system of hearings from January 3. The decision has been taken in view of rise in Covid-19 cases and the ‘yellow alert’ declared by the government in Delhi.
The High court had started the physical hearings in the court from November 22.
But after the sudden rise in covid cases in Delhi led the Delhi high court to issue a statement which said that there will be virtual hearings and the virtual proceedings arrangements shall continue till January 15. The District courts of Delhi will also hear the cases through virtual mode only.
“In view of the sudden spurt and spike in covid cases in the NCT of Delhi and issuance of ‘yellow alert’ in Delhi by GNCTD, as directed by the Honourable Chief Justice, it is hereby informed to all concerned that this court shall, with effect from January 3, 2022 take up the matters as per the existing arrangement with regard to listing of cases, through virtual mode only.”
The decision was taken by Chief Justice DN Patel highlighting the present system of heading of matters in the high court and district courts after the consultation with stakeholders including the members of Administrative and General Supervision Committee of the High Court.
“I have also consulted with the esteemed members of the Administrative and General Supervision Committee of this court. They are also of the view that immediate arepas are required to be taken to safeguard the health and well-being of all the stakeholders while also ensuring that the justice delivery system remains functional.”
Chief Justice D N Patel
The chairman of Coordination Committee of All District Court Bar Associations of Delhi and other office bearers have also assured full cooperation to the arrangement.
“All the stakeholders including court staff, required to come to the courts shall get themselves fully vaccinated and shall strictly adhere to the norms of social distancing and Covid-19 protocols, guidelines, directions etc issued by the government of India, government of NCT of Delhi and this court from time to time.”
The arrangement will be reviewed on January 15. The situation will be reassessed and reviewed after the said period of time.