The High Court of Madhya Pradesh on Friday has issued a circular thereby directing all District And Sessions Judges in the State to comply with guidelines for video conferencing during the lockdown period.
The circular stated that the hearing of the cases in lockdown period will only be through video-conferencing, and be limited to hearing of urgent matters. The question of urgency of matters will be decided by the Judges of the respective Courts, including District Judge and Principal Judge of the Family Court.
The circular notes that the Courts in the State are still being opened for hearing and are overcrowding, thereby not following the direction of social distancing. This has violated the directions issued previously and is also dangerous considering the present situation.
The Chief Justice expressing concern over the situation, added that functioning of courts in such a manner is in contravention of the directions issued by High Court from time to time, and has directed that the physical presence of advocates, litigants and all the stakeholders should strictly be prohibited in the court rooms where presiding officers and staffs are discharging their duties.
The circular has also directed that during the period of lockdown. Only advocates, the accused and necessary parties will be permitted to enter into the court premises and will be permitted to take part in the hearing through video conferencing as per requirement.
All precautionary measures will be taken at the time of hearing in the video conferencing room, as directed by the High Court of M.P. and the Central and State government from time to time. The Circular has also encouraged the advocates to conduct video conferencing from their home or office and avoid any kind of hazard during lockdown period of COVID-19.
-India Legal Bureau