COVID Third Wave: Calcutta HC To Function Through Virtual Mode From January 3, Hybrid Mode Allowed For Bail Matters

In view of the threat of the imminent third wave of the Covid pandemic and also the alarming rise in the number of Covid affected cases, the Calcutta High Court shall function through virtual mode only with effect from January 3.

A notice has been released to this effect under an order of the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, Justice Prakash Shrivastava.

However, the Court will allow a Hybrid mode of hearing only in respect of bail matters where public prosecutors will be allowed to be physically present with case diary and in other matters where Government and other Advocates are to produce or tender documents in court.

Further, the Trial of suits by witness examination shall be suspended and other proceedings in suits to continue. Other directions issued in the notice are as follows:

• Staff attendance shall not be more than 66 & 2/3 percent with rotational transferable duty. Non-essential departments may be suspended and their staff shall be utilised in essential departments.
• The same system shall be followed in the District Courts as far as applicable and practicable.
• The same system shall be followed in the Circuit Benches subject to adaptation by the Senior most Hon'ble Judge in Circuit.
• The concerned stakeholders including Court-staff shall get themselves fully vaccinated and shall strictly adhere to the norms of social-distancing and Covid-19 protocols, guidelines, directions etc. issued by the Government of India, the State Government, the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India and this Hon'ble Court from time to time.

On December 30, the Delhi High Court had decided that the High Court and district courts would be functioning through virtual mode only with effect from January 3 to January 15, 2022.

On the other hand, after the 9th November notification that lifted restrictions on the entry of advocates and clerks to court premises, Madras High Court has now decided to hear cases solely through physical mode.