The Apex Court on March 13, 2020 has decided to hear the cases that are listed urgent from March 16, 2020 (Monday). The matters relate to the minimization of the risk of spread of coronavirus. The notification was issued through the administrative unit of the Supreme Court and it also restricted entry of lawyers and litigants in the courtroom.
The order cites the Health Ministry of India and the World Health Organizations advice against mass congregation.
The Competent Authority has been pleased to direct that the functioning of the Courts shall be restricted to urgent matters with such number of Benches as may be found appropriate, the Supreme Courts secretary general Sanjeev S Kalgaonkar said.
It is hereby notified that no persons except the lawyers who are going to act in the matter, i.e. either for argument or for making oral submissions or to assist along with one litigant only, shall be permitted in the courtroom, Sanjeev S Kalgaonkar stated in the order.
Further to which practices mentioning the cases before Chief justice S ABobde has been suspended and has motioned them to make the request before the designated mentioning officer.
It has been noticed that the Supreme Court campus and court rooms have been overcrowded lately due to the cases listed for admission concerning the spread of coronavirus.
The Apex Court is currently shut for holi break and only the vacation bench sitting there will deal with the urgent matters.
Author - Dyuti Pandya
