SC's Videoconference Hearings: "Benches To Hear Cases From Courtrooms From Next Week, Lawyers Can Argue From Chambers"

The Supreme Court on Tuesday assembled at the premises of Supreme Court vicinity instead of Judge's residence.

A bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao, Abdul Nazeer & Sanjeev Khanna assembled in Court No. 4 of the Supreme Court building and heard matters via Videoconferencing with Lawyers addressing the bench from their respective Chamber(s).

As hearings commenced, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta apprised the bench,

"Have your Lordships assembled in Courtrooms?" - SG

"Yes. Its a "pilot project". We will assemble in Courtrooms from next week while lawyers can continue addressing the bench from their chambers" - Justice L. Nageswara Rao

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta added that this was indeed a good idea as this would ensure that infection is not spread.

The Supreme Court has been hearing matters via videoconferencing since March 23, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Coronavirus induced lockdown in the first instance.

As the days progressed and the lockdown continued, SC continued to hold hearings from Chambers itself, with Lawyers too, arguing from their own space.

As of now, only "urgent matters" are being taken up by the Supreme Court.

In another exchange during hearings, bench hinted at expansion of the Videoconference set up for hearings.

The bench told petitioner's lawyer that their matter shall be taken up immediately once Video Conference hearings ensue at a "larger scale".