SC to begin limited hybrid physical hearings from March 15

The Supreme Court on Saturday (March 6) said it would, on an experimental basis, begin hybrid hearings, i.e. counsel appearing for one party either in person or through video/tele-conferencing, from March 15. The top court has designated Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for hearings in the hybrid mode.

Also read: Divisions in Supreme Court over elevation of judges 

“On an experimental basis, and as a pilot scheme, the final hearing/regular matters listed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays may be heard in the hybrid mode, as may be decided by the Hon’ble Bench, considering the number of parties in a matter as well as the limited capacity of the Court rooms; all other matters, including those listed on Mondays and Fridays shall continue to be heard through video/tele-conferencing mode,” the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued on Friday said, as reported by Bar and Bench.

This announcement comes during the second phase of the country’s vaccination drive. The courts resorted to virtual hearings from April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.