SC restricts hearings to only urgent cases in view of COVID-19 outbreak
Taking note of global pandemic novel coronavirus, the Supreme Court on Friday decided that only urgent matters shall be taken up for hearing. Moreover, no persons except concerned lawyers will be allowed in its courtrooms, the top court said in a notification.
Taking note of global pandemic novel coronavirus, the Supreme Court on Friday (March 13) decided that only urgent matters shall be taken up for hearing. Moreover, no persons except concerned lawyers will be allowed in its courtrooms, the top court said in a notification.
The decision was taken in a meeting presided over by Chief Justice SA Bobde after taking note of the Centre’s March 5 advisory cautioning against mass gatherings.
“On reviewing the advisory issued by the Government of India and in view of the opinion of public health experts including medical professionals and also considering the safety and welfare of all the visitors, litigants, lawyers, court staff, security, maintenance and support staff, student interns and media professionals, the Competent Authority has been pleased to direct that the functioning of the Courts shall be restricted to urgent matters with such number of Benches as may be found appropriate,” the Supreme Court said in a notification.
It said no persons except the lawyers who are going to act in the matters shall be permitted in the court rooms at the apex court. “Mentioning of matters will be made before the Mentioning Officer only,” said the notification issued by SC Secretary General Sanjeev Kalgaonkar.
(With inputs from agencies)
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