COVID-19: AP HC Restricts Functioning To Hear Urgent Cases For 2 Weeks; Telangana HC Issues Containment Directions For District Courts [Read Circulars]

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has decided that with immediate effect, all pending cases, except bail applications and petitions seeking suspension of sentence, will be heard only in case of urgency for next two weeks.

In cases where any interim order is about to get expired, the high court has ordered that the Advocates concerned may make a mention to the Registrar, who will take apposite steps for extension of the same.

Further, only those new filings that are accompanied with an application for urgent hearing will be listed. The urgency as stated in the application will be decided by the Court itself.

Additionally, the following instructions have been issued, in line with the government advisories and steps taken by other high courts:

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Overcrowding should be avoided and all persons entering the court must undergo thermal screening;

Cafeteria will remain operational for the limited purpose of providing items essential for court functioning;

In emergency cases, if an Advocate is in need of a mask, the same may be obtained from the Protocol Section;

Litigants will not ordinarily be permitted to enter the court premises except under a valid pass issued to them under the circumstances in which their Advocate is not appearing in the court;

Biometric attendance has been made optional and any absence of Officer/ staff of the High Court will be treated as "On Duty".

The Telanagana High Court has issued similar detailed instructions to be followed at all District and other subordinate courts in the state, to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trial, except in urgent matters, such as bail applications, temporary injunction applications, remand matters, etc., will remain postponed in all subordinate courts for three weeks. Further, the following instructions will remain in force till further orders:

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Courts will not insist on the presence of the parties or under trial prisoners, unless it is unavoidable;

No adverse/default orders will be passed against non-appearance of parties/witnesses and their requests for exemption will be considered favourably;

Remand of prisoners will be given only through video conferencing;

Interns will not be allowed entry in the court premises;

Bar Association halls will remain closed;

Authorities will ensure proper hygienic conditions at all places, at all times;

Adequate medical staff with requisite equipments will be deployed at all courts' premises.

Read Circulars