The Apex Court has decided to conduct physical hearings starting from March 15, 2021, on a trial basis with a limited capacity of members at the court and abide by the Covid-19 protocols.
As per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the hearings scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursday, based on the Bench’s discretion, could be held physically. Also, the parties to the matter have a choice between online and physical mode of hearing.
The SOP stated that the other matters scheduled for Monday and Thursday continue to hear through an online portal of video/teleconference. The SOP clarified that if the parties to the matter opt-out of a physical hearing for the matter that was listed to conduct physically, the following is taken up in a manner suitable online.
Along with the other provisions, the SOP said that the Advocates on Record would get a choice between a physical and an online hearing. To this, they have to make a prior submission to the court expressing their decision. The same be delivered within 24 hours/1.00 pm post the weekly list consisting of final/orderly hearings is published.
Moreover, the SOP furthered that the Ld. Advocates on Record who fail to appear for neither the physical nor an online hearing will appear via online hearing is presumed by the court. Also, such a hearing will be subsequently facilitated.
