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[Breaking]COVID19: SC Prohibits Physical Entry; Urgent Hearings Via Video Conferencing; Lawyers Chambers To Be Closed
Sanya Talwar
23 March 2020 12:37 PM IST
![[Breaking]COVID19: SC Prohibits Physical Entry; Urgent Hearings Via Video Conferencing; Lawyers Chambers To Be Closed](https://www.livelaw.in/h-upload/2020/01/11/750x450_368975-supreme-court-of-india-3.jpg "[Breaking]COVID19: SC Prohibits Physical Entry; Urgent Hearings Via Video Conferencing; Lawyers Chambers To Be Closed")
The Supreme Court on Monday decided to bar physical entry into the premises, and to hold urgent hearings via video conferencing.The proximity cards issued for entry to Court will not be effective for the time being.The Court has ordered the sealing of the lawyers' chambers by 5 PM on March 24, and said that will work out a system by which advocates can argue cases from home.The Court also...
The Supreme Court on Monday decided to bar physical entry into the premises, and to hold urgent hearings via video conferencing.
The proximity cards issued for entry to Court will not be effective for the time being.
The Court has ordered the sealing of the lawyers' chambers by 5 PM on March 24, and said that will work out a system by which advocates can argue cases from home.
The Court also said that the limitation period for filing appeals against orders of HC or any tribunal will stand extended indefinitely. This means that no appeal shall be time barred because in wake of the closure of SC for physical filings.
The CJI assured that the court has viable technology to conduct proceedings via video conferencing. Further, CJI requested the lawyers to ensure that their chambers remain shut to counteract the coronavirus pandemic.
Court room exchange
"Everyone is scared of coming to court" said Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave today while addressing the Chief Justice led bench of the Supreme court amid the Coronavirus outbreak.
In light of this, the bench and the bar exchanged suggestions regarding the functioning of Supreme Court. While lawyers requested the bench to declare vacations, the CJI expressed concern regarding repercussions on limitation.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta suggested that if the court considers passing orders for deemed extension of limitation, this problem might be solved.
At this juncture, the bench stated that declaring vacations at this point would mean having to assemble during June to account for viable working days per year. The Supreme Court remains closed towards the end of June up until June ends every year.
CJI: The 240 days work days have to be accounted for.
Coming to SC is a problem. We are at our homes, says Dave.
CJI bench, Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta discussing the possibility and repercussions of declaring vacations for Supreme Court.
— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) March 23, 2020
CJI expresses concern, says If court goes on vacation now, will have to sit in June.
In this backdrop, a discussion regarding holding proceedings via video conferencing ensued. Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave stated that even if video conferencing is put in place for hearings, lawyers shall still have to come to court. Apropos this, Senior Advocate AM Singhvi suggested that proceedings may be conducted through video conferences from respective offices of lawyers.
Dave: We don't need to come to the court. We can use Skype, video call. Lordships can work from home. No need to come to courtroom.
CJI: the Hearing will not be in congregation. We are going to be doing videoconferencing.
Senior Advocate AM Singhvi: even to come to court for videoconferencing requires lawyers to come here and congregate. We can allow videoconferencing or audio conference from our offices
"We have 6000 licenses for Video app. Will give you the particular link and you can address us from home. Justice Chandrachud who is head of E Committee is considering this aspect. We will take a decision today" assured CJI SA Bobde.
