COVID19: Kerala HC Makes It Clear That No Proposal To Close Courts Or Advance Summer Vacation [Read Official Memorandum]

The Registrar General has however instructed all the Principal District and Sessions Judges to not insist on personal appearance of parties unless the same is essential for enforcement of HC orders.

The high court has also relaxed the regular court procedures and has directed the subordinate courts to adjourn those cases by notification, that are not to be taken up for trial.

"In the light of the threat of Corona virus, there are news spreading that courts are being dosed or summer vacation is being advanced. It is made dear that there is no such proposal in the offing. However, all Principal District Judges are directed to instruct the officers under them that wherever litigants are likely to throng, it is not necessary to follow the regular court procedures; instead, cases which will not be taken up for trial can be adjourned by notification. In other words, regular functioning of the coons should be continued. Presence of the parties shall not be insisted unless essential for the enforcement of orders of the High Court or other superior courts," the official memorandum states.

The high court has also advised not to hold Mediations and Lok Adalats during the period of alert, except for compliance of judicial directions.

"It is also informed that, Mediation and Lok Adalats proceedings need not be taken during the period of alert, except for compliance of judicial directions.

District Judges shall also ensure that the Guidelines issued by the Health Department of the Government of Kerala shall be adhered to in letter and spirit," the memo states.

Read Memorandum