On Saturday, the Administrative and General Supervision Committee of the Delhi High Court issued an office order directing that wherever possible, the case should be heard in the district court in a hybrid mode. Significantly, this directive has been issued by the Administrative and General Supervision Committee of the Delhi High Court on Saturday after resolving to allow hybrid hearings in cases where the parties’ pleas to this effect are requested.
As per the office order, a decision has been taken by the committee to avoid congestion in the District Courts. Further, considering the fact that the District Court will be directed to take the following steps on what will be the infrastructure to facilitate a fully hybrid hearing: – Physical presence of the parties by the judicial authorities is not insisted upon. Be given, unless it is unavoidable. Seeking deferment as advocates / parties / witnesses are suitably adjusted to take care of other family members especially due to health conditions.
(A) All the District and Sessions Judges and the Chief Justice, Family Court shall take appropriate measures for the entry of litigants and other stakeholders in the court premises, (b) if there is not already space, arrange adequate space for them, (C) Ensuring regular cleanliness and sanitation of Chambers blocks of the respective court premises and lawyers and (d) Social Distancing and all other COVID-19 protocols and issued from time to time by Government of India, Government of Delhi and Delhi HC. All the parameters related to the guidelines etc. should be strictly followed.
