Kerala HC To Continue With Physical Sittings: One Division Bench Constituted To Hear Fresh Cases Via Video Conferencing [Read Notice]

The Kerala High Court will continue holding physical sittings but with a modification that a division bench is constituted for hearing fresh cases through video conferencing.

The Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA) had requested the Chief Justice Of the High Court to discontinue the physical sittings and physical filings till 30th June, in the wake of the report that a policeman who entered the Court has been tested positive for Covid-19 virus.

The Chief Justice S. Manikumar had held a meeting with the Association representatives and Advocate General on Sunday. 

The new roster published reveals that the Court will continue physical sittings. Till last week, the cases allotted to division bench were called in physical court. Now a bench comprising of Justices SV Bhatti and Bechu Kurian Thomas will be taking fresh cases via video conferencing.

"Appearance of counsel will not be insisted in any matter, in physical sitting of court. Option is left to the learned counsel to appear or not. Cases will be heard only if both sides are represented. No cases will be dismissed for default.", the notice reads.

Filing of fresh Division Bench matters should be done only by e-mail. The notice also contains the email ID for e-filing.

No Judge, Staff in Quarantine

Earlier it was reported that a judge of the Kerala High Court had gone into self quarantine as a policeman who was tested positive for Covid-19 reportedly entered the High Court. The Police officer, who was later tested positive for Covid-19 virus, had reportedly entered the High Court to submit a file to a Government pleader who was present in one of the courts in the High Court. 

The High Court Registrar General Sophy Thomas has later clarified to media that neither the judge, nor the staffs are in quarantine. The Hindu reports that the District Collector had spoken to the judge concerned and informed the Registrar General that the judge and the staff need not go into quarantine as they had not come into direct contact with the police officer. 

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