COVID Spike: NCDRC To Hear Cases Through Virtual Mode Only From January 4 Till January 21

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has decided to hear cases through Virtual Mode only from January 4 to January 21 in view of the recent spike in COVID cases in the Country and the consequent restrictions imposed by various governments.The Members of the Commission shall conduct the Virtual Court hearings from the premises of the National Commission and the parties shall be provided with the online link to appear in their matters.In related news, due to an increase in COVID-19 cases and the Omicron variant, the Supreme Court yesterday decided to revert to the virtual hearing mode for the next two weeks. As per the notification released on Sunday evening, it was notified that:"It is hereby notified for the information of the members of the bar, party-in-person and all concerned that keeping in view the rising number of cases of omicron variant (COVID-2019), the competent authority has been pleased to direct that modified standard Operating Procedure (Sop) Notified on 07.10.2021 for physical hearing (With hybrid option before hon'ble courts will remain suspended for the present and all hearings before the honble courts for a period of two weeks from and with effect from 03.01.2022 shall be through virtual mode only."In view of the threat of the Covid pandemic and also sudden spurt and a spike in COVID-19 cases in the State of Jharkhand and Ranchi in particular, the Jharkhand High Court has also decided to function in VC mode with effect from today, i.e., January 3.Further, 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 has also decided to function through virtual mode only with effect from January 3.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.Due to the surge in Omicron variant of Covid-19 cases, Madras High Court has also issued a notification keeping in abeyance the previous notification for resumption of physical hearings completely.As per the notification dated 2nd January, 2022, Acting Chief Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari has issued directions to follow the virtual hearing, excluding both physical as well as hybrid modes of functioning till further orders. The decision to follow only virtual hearing from 3rd January, 2022, will be applicable both to the Principal Seat at Madras and the Madurai Bench.Click Here To Read/Download NCDRC's Notice

COVID Spike: NCDRC To Hear Cases Through Virtual Mode Only From January 4 Till January 21

Sparsh Upadhyay

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