Covid-19: Bombay HC Extends Interim Arrangement Of Hearing Only Extremely Urgent Cases Till May 4

In light of the extension of nationwide lockdown to May 3, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday extended the interim arrangement of hearing only extremely urgent cases to May 4. Court instructed all principal judges of subordinate courts in Maharashtra, Goa, Union Territories of Dadar & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu to ensure that a minimum number of judges are assigned to hear such cases.

The notice signed by Registrar General SB Aggarwal informs all litigants and the general public that they should avoid visiting court premises unless necessary. Moreover, to avoid congestion in the courtroom, video conferencing facilities have been installed at the principal bench in Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad and the High Court of Bombay at Goa.

Furthermore, the notice states-

"Apart from that, the staff assigned for dealing with such work, all other judges and staff will not be allowed to attend court till 04.05.2020. However, all the judges and staff members shall be available on phone calls as and when any communication is made to them telephonically. In the case any duty is assigned to the judges and/or staff members, he/she shall discharge the same without fail. Breach of these directions may attract stern Disciplinary Action against them and also their period of absence will be considered as leave period."