Supreme Court suspends all physical hearings for two weeks, matters to be heard virtually

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Jan 03, 2022: The Supreme Court has reverted to virtual hearings for the next two weeks due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases. All physical hearings have been suspended for two weeks. The move comes due to growing concerns as Omicron infections surge.

 

After two weeks, the situation will be reviewed again and a further course of action will be decided.

"It is hereby notified for the information of the members of the bar, party-in-person and all concerned that keeping in view the rising number of cases of Omicron variant (COVID-19), the competent authority has been pleased to direct that modified Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) notified on October 7, 2021, for physical hearing (hybrid mode) will remain suspended for the present, and all hearings before the courts for a period of two weeks from and with effect from January 3, shall be through virtual mode only," the circular read.

According to Supreme Court registrar Chirag Bhanu Singh and BLN Acharya, the Bar Association, the petitioner in person and all other parties have been informed of the decision.

The apex court has been holding virtual hearings since March 2020. In a circular issued on October 7, 2021, the SC directed that physical hearings be held two days a week, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The hybrid hearing was fixed for Thursday. The virtual hearing days were fixed for Monday and Friday.
Meanwhile, Delhi on Sunday reported 3,194 new Covid-19 cases and one fatality, the number of active patients in the city rose to 8397.

The case positivity rate mounted to 4.59 per cent, the city’s health department data reported.

As per Delhi Disaster Management Authority’s action plan, if the case positivity rate is over five per cent for two consecutive days, then a ’Red’ alert can be sounded. This means a ’total curfew’ and halting of most economic activities could be imposed.