COVID19- Rajasthan High Court To Function Completely Through Virtual Mode For Urgent Matters, Extends Interim Orders, Period Of Limitation

In view of the Rajasthan Government extending it's curfew for two more weeks, the Rajasthan High Court on Monday modified its earlier directions by resolving that both the Benches of the High Court (Jaipur and Jodhpur) shall function completely through virtual mode only for hearing urgent matters instituted in the year 2021 with the exception that any other matter may be taken up with the permission of the Court. The said directions shall remain into force till May 3.

The notification issued by the Registrar General of the High Court in this regard reads thus:

"In view of this order and considering the extreme grave situation, in supersession of all previous directions, following directions are issued for functioning of Rajasthan High Court at Jodhpur and Jaipur Bench from 19.04.2021 to 03.05.2021, Rajasthan High Court Jodhpur and Jaipur Bench shall function only through video conferencing for urgent matters instituted in the year 2021 with the exception that any other matter may be taken up with the permission of Hon'ble Court."

Furthermore, the notification also states that all interim orders expiring between 20th April to 3rd May shall remain extended till next date. Moreover, the prescribed limitation for filing petitions/application/suits/appeals etc. also stands extended with effect from the aforesaid date.

For e filing between the said dates, the notification provides that:

"Filing of fresh urgent matters shall be made through E-filing on E-filing portal as per Notification dated 08.04.2020 available on the website of Rajasthan High court with the condition to submit hard-copy file within 7 days of resuming regular functioning."

It has also been stated that the personal presence of accused persons in Appeals or Revisions shall stand exempted till 03.05.2021.

Stating that the State Government has permitted the movements of employees of the department, the Notification mentions that the court staff is directed to carry their respective icards with them while on official duty.

"Only bare essential staff of courts, judicial sections, administrative sections and computer cell required to manage the urgent work would be called on a rotational basis. Sitring arrangement of the staff shall be in such a manner so as to maintain required physical distance between them. Only such staff members are required to come to office who have been specifically directed to do so till 03.05.2021. Remaining staff would not be required to attend the office but will remain available at home during office timings." The notification reads.

Click Here To Read Notification