The High Court of Madhya Pradesh has issued new guidelines in consideration of the outbreak of the Novel Corona virus (COVID-19) and the advisory issued by the Government of India. The guidelines aim to contain the COVID-19 virus, avoid its spread and avoid the mass gathering in the District / Tehsil Court premises of the State of Madhya Pradesh, till further orders :
Working hours: The working hours of the court will be from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and the office hours from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
Extension of limitation period: The limitation period for filing suits, petitions. Appeal, etc will be extended, in pursuance of the direction of the Supreme Court regarding the same
Orders be provided online: All the bail orders or other orders that are required for compliance of court order by the Subordinate Court, either from High Court or from the Sessions Courts, will be provided online through email either in scanned format or digitally signed by competent authority.
Public sections to be closed: The staff working in different sections of the District Courts directly dealing with the public will remain closed for direct public dealing, except the copying section.
Aplications to be submitted online: Application for urgent copies in the copying section will be submitted online on the official email id, and in cases of any defect or requirement of any further amount, the communication will be made to the applicant on the registered mobile phone. The applicant can appear and collect the certified copy from the counter or the scanned image will be provided on the registered email id.
Encourage advocates to appear from residence or office: The advocates should be encouraged to address the Court through video conferencing from their residence or office. In the Video conferencing room, more VC unit contact points can be installed as per the requirement of the concerning District or Tehsil headquarter.
Daily list of cases: A list of cases to be considered for hearing should be prepared by the Court and also communicated on CIS or official website.
Limit the number of hearings: The number of cases fixed for hearing through video conferencing every day must have a limit in consideration of the factors like urgency of cases, nature of cases, availability of VC units or contact points, and other relevant factors.
-India Legal Bureau