Chief Justice of India & Judges Greet Advocates As Supreme Court Resumes Full Physical Hearing
LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK
4 April 2022 9:04 AM GMT
As a welcoming gesture on the occasion of the Supreme Court resuming full physical hearings after a gap of 2 years today, the Chief Justice of India N V Ramana along with companion Judges took a round of the Supreme Court corridor to greet the advocates this morning before the commencement of proceedings of the day.It was in March 2020 that the Supreme Court switched to complete virtual mode...
As a welcoming gesture on the occasion of the Supreme Court resuming full physical hearings after a gap of 2 years today, the Chief Justice of India N V Ramana along with companion Judges took a round of the Supreme Court corridor to greet the advocates this morning before the commencement of proceedings of the day.
It was in March 2020 that the Supreme Court switched to complete virtual mode with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In October last year, the Court had started physical hearings partially. As per the SOP dated October 7, 2021, the Supreme Court had decided that all the matters listed on Wednesday and Thursday, as non-miscellaneous days, would be heard by it only in the physical presence of the counsels/parties in Court-rooms.
Further, as per the SOP, the hearings on miscellaneous days (Monday and Friday) will be through virtual mode. All the matters listed on Tuesday, as a non-miscellaneous day, would also be heard in physical mode, however, on prior application by the AOR for the party, appearance through video/teleconferencing mode will be facilitated.
In view of the surge in COVID cases due to the emergence of the Omicron variant, the Supreme Court had revertedto complete virtual hearings from January 7, 2022. With several judges and staff getting infected with COVID, the judges started to hear cases virtually from residential chambers. Only urgent matters were taken up for hearing.
In view of the reduction in the number of cases, the Supreme Court had decided on February 7 to revert to the only physical hearings on two days a week mode with effect from Febraury 14.
Last week, the CJI announced the decision to resume full physical hearings from today. Lawyers will have the option of virtual attendance on Mondays and Friday. A modified SOP was issued to that effect.
