Virtual hearing in Courts extended till May 31

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 10 : The virtual hearing of cases in both wings of High Court and all District Courts and Subordinate Courts as well as Tribunals has been extended till May 31.
Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal has extended by May 31 order regarding the virtual hearing of the cases in both wings of the High Court as well as in the District and Subordinate Courts and Tribunals in J&K and Ladakh in view of rise in COVID cases.
“Taking note of the daily rising number COVID-19 infection cases and the prevailing situation due to the rapid spread of (the) infection, the High Order No. 259 of 2021/RG dated 26.04.2021 is extended up to May 31, 2021,” read an order
It is further added that daily some Judicial Officer and officials of the District and Subordinate Judiciary are reported to have tested COVID-19 positive. Therefore, the Judicial Officers of the Subordinate Judiciary have been given liberty to work through virtual mode from their respective official residences.
However, for remand purposes or for meeting any judicial exigency, the District Judge shall prepare a sitting roster for District Judges and Magistrates, the Chief Justice added.
On April 26, the Chief Justice had ordered that filing as well as hearing of cases in both wings High Court as well as in the District and Subordinate Courts and Tribunals shall be conducted through Virtual Mode till May 15 which now has been extended till the end of this month.
In order to decongest the sections/offices/Courts, the Chief Justice had said the officials shall be permitted to function in batches with 50 percent reduction on rotation basis.
Regarding District and Subordinate Courts and Tribunals in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, the Chief Justice ordered that entry of litigants, public and clerks of the Advocates into the Court premises from the very outer gate shall be strictly prohibited.