Delhi HC Asks District Courts To Ensure Video Conferencing Facility, Maintain Social Distancing In Courts, Exempts Advocates From Wearing Court and Band While Appearing [Read Letter]

In order to facilitate adequate hearing of urgent matters, the Delhi High Court has asked all the subordinate courts to create proper facility of video conferencing in the complexes of all the district courts.

As per the letter addressed to the subordinate courts by the Registrar General of the Delhi High Court, this facility will cater to those Advocates/Litigants whose matters have been listed for hearing but who are not in a position to handle Video Conferencing from their respective homes/offices.

While highlighting the need to alleviate the hardship of litigants even during the restrictive functioning of the courts, the subordinate courts are asked to ensure that crucial norms of social distancing are strictly adhered to during courtroom hearings.

The district courts also have to ensure that there is no crowding even in the corridors and other areas of the court-complex.

To implement this principle of strict social distancing, the subordinate courts are asked to deploy sufficient number of judicial officers for hearing urgent matters to ensure quick disposal and prevent advocates and litigants from unnecessarily waiting in the court complex.

The said letter also asks subordinate courts to remain in constant touch with the respective Bar Associations to ensure that the Lawyers' Chamber Blocks in the District Court Complex remain closed till further orders.

As per the decision of the Committee for Preparation of Graded Action Plan, Advocates appearing before these courts are exempted from wearing courts, bands and ties till further orders. However, they still have to comply with the remaining dress code as prescribed under Advocates Act, 1961.

It is further directed that the cases, in which arguments have already been heard and the order/ judgment has been reserved, be given precedence.

The subordinate courts have to file compliance report, with regards to directions given in this letter, with the Registrar General of the Delhi High Court. 

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[Read Letter]