Srinagar, July 11: Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, Gita Mittal on Saturday directed the Srinagar Wing of the High Court, which is located in the area declared as “Red Zone” to conduct the hearing of cases through virtual mode.
The directions were passed by the Chief Justice keeping in view the sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in areas declared as “Red Zones” by the Governments of UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and with a view to prevent further spread of infection.
“In Srinagar Wing of the High Court which is located in the area declared as “Red Zone”, the hearing of cases shall be conducted through virtual mode. The Judges shall hear the matters from the residences or office chambers,” the order copy reads.
“Identification of cases and their listing shall be done in accordance with Circular No. 19 dated 28.05.2020 and Circular NO. 03 dated 01.07.2020,” it added.
“The Advocates shall cause their appearance through virtual mode from their residences/offices,” it said, adding that the “Registrar Computers in coordination with Registrar Judicial, Srinagar shall facilitate the hearing of cases through virtual mode and shall ensure that the links to the appearing counsels for participation through VCs are forwarded to them well in advance.”
“Registrar Judicial shall prepare a roster of the staff in a manner ensuring not more than 50% attendance on each working day. The staff on duty shall take necessary precautions, shall maintain social distancing and adhere to all the Government SOPs in this behalf,” it added.
Regarding District and Subordinate Courts, the Chief Justice in the order said “Courts located in areas declared as “Red Zones” by the governments of UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh shall hear the cases through virtual mode. The presiding officers shall hear the matters from their official residences or office chambers.”
“Identification of cases and their listing done in accordance with Circular No. 21 dated 28.05.2020. The Advocates shall cause their appearance through virtual mode from their residences/offices,” it added.
“The Presiding Officer of the Court located in any “Red Zone” shall prepare roster of the staff in a manner ensuring not more than 50% attendance on each working day,” the order reads, adding that the directions shall remain in force till 31.07.2020.
