Delhi HC To Continue Restrictive Functioning Till Aug 31, Might Resume Partial Physical Functioning From Sep 1 Subject To Situation [Read Order]

As per the decision taken by the Administrative and Supervision Committee of the Delhi High Court, the restrictive functioning of the courts subordinate to the High Court will also be extended till August 31.

However, the court has said that subject to complete availability of public transport and subject to the situation in Delhi remaining stable, a plan be evolved for gradual opening of physical courts from 1st September, 2020 onwards.

The notice reads as:

'To begin with, on experimental basis, around one-fourth of the courts can resume physical functioning on a rotational basis while the rest can continue taking up matters through videoconferencing. A comprehensive plan on the above lines will be prepared by the undersigned and placed before the "Committee for Preparation of Graded Action Plan" and thereafter before the Full Court for consideration.'

It has also been ordered that all the benches in the High Court shall also endeavour to take up 20 oldest 'Regular/final category matters' pending on their respective boards through video conferencing mode.

As per the office order released by the Registrar General of the court, the services of the Delhi High Court will remain suspended till August 31 on similar terms which are in operation right now.

The order has, however, clarified that the court will continue to hear urgent matters through video conferencing.

The Courts of Registrars and Joint Registrars of this Court shall take up matters listed before them through videoconferencing. However, evidence shall be recorded only in ex-parte and uncontested matters where the same is required to be tendered by way of affidavit.

These District and Sessions Courts will continue to function restrictively as per the existing guidelines.