SC to resume hybrid physical hearings starting March 15
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court, which is hearing cases through video conferencing since March last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will commence hybrid physical hearing from March 15.
The apex court has issued the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the hybrid physical hearings. The top court has been hearing cases through videoconferencing since March last year due to the pandemic and several bar bodies and lawyers have been demanding that physical hearings should resume immediately.
“On an experimental basis, and as a pilot scheme, the final hearings/regular matters listed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays may be heard in the hybrid mode, as may be decided by the bench, considering the number of parties in a matter as well as the limited capacity of the courtrooms; all other matthe
THE SUPREME COURT
ters, including those listed on Mondays and Fridays, shall continue to be heard through video/ tele-conferencing mode,” said the SOP issued by the apex court.
“The hybrid physical hearings are to commence with effect from March 15, 2021,” it added.
It said unless otherwise directed by a bench, the final hearings or regular matters where the number of lawyers for the parties is higher than the average working capacity of the courtrooms according to COVID-19 norms, that is 20 per courtroom at any given time, shall invariably be listed for hearing through the video or tele-conferencing mode. “...however, in case bench directs hearing of such matters to be held through the hybrid mode, the appearance of the parties, whether by physical presence or through video/ tele-conferencing, will be facilitated as per the directions of the bench,” the SOP said.
It said if the number of parties is higher than the specified number in a matter listed for hybrid hearing, then one advocate-onrecord (AOR) and one arguing counsel per party would be allowed entry. It said one registered clerk per party, as may be chosen by the AOR, shall be allowed entry to carry paperbooks or journals of lawyers up to the courtrooms.