HC directs for hearing through virtual mode

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 11: Chief Justice of High Court issued certain directions to courts located in ‘Red Zone’ areas for their functioning and directed for hearing of cases in Srinagar wing of High Court and District and Subordinate Courts through virtual mode.
Keeping in view the sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in the areas which have been declared as ‘Red Zones’, Chief Justice Gita Mittal after having a full court resolution held earlier issued a circular directing for hearing the cases through virtual mode in Srinagar wing of High Court and all District and Subordinate courts which are located in the areas declared as ‘Red Zones’.
“In Srinagar wing of the High Court which is located in the area declared as “Red Zone”, the hearing of case shall be conducted through virtual mode. The judges shall hear the matters from the residences or office chambers”, read the circular.
In respect of district subordinate court located in areas declared as “Red Zones” by the Government of UTs of J&K and Ladakh, CJ directed cases in these courts shall also be heard through virtual mode. “The Presiding Officers shall hear the matters from their official residences or office chambers”, the CJ directed.
Advocates have also been directed to cause their appearance in their respective cases through virtual mode from their residences or offices. Registrar Computers has been directed to coordinate with Registrar Judicial of Srinagar wing of High Court in order to facilitate the hearing of cases through virtual mode.
“Registrar Computers to ensure that the links to the appearing counsels for participation through Video Conferences are forwarded to them well in advance”, read the circular with further direction to Registrar Judicial for preparing the roster of the staff in a manner ensuring not more than 50% attendance on each working day.
The staff on duty has been directed to take necessary precautions for maintaining the social distancing and adhere to all Government SOPs in this connection. Identification of cases and their listing shall be done in accordance with earlier circulars.
Presiding officers of trial court located in Red Zones have also been directed for preparing roster of the staff of respective courts in a manner ensuring that not more than 50% attendance on each working day. These directions shall remain in force till July 31.

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