Supreme Court lists norms for hearings via video link

New Delhi, April 6

Noting that “technology is here to stay”, the Supreme Court today issued a set of guidelines to be followed by courts across India to conduct judicial proceedings via video conferencing in view of Covid-19 pandemic.

A three-judge Bench headed by CJI SA Bobde ordered suspension of congregation of lawyers and litigants to maintain social distancing.

“It is necessary that courts at all levels respond to the call of social distancing and ensure that court premises do not contribute to the spread of virus. This is not a matter of discretion but of duty,” it said. The Bench said: “Court hearings in congregation must necessarily become an exception during this period.” Using its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the SC — that has been functioning via video conferencing in a restricted manner since March 25 — directed all high courts to frame a mechanism for use of technology during the pandemic. — TNS