Delhi courts to function in virtual mode from January 3 amid rise in Covid cases

n view of the “alarming and worrisome” rise in Covid-19 cases, the Delhi High Court on Thursday decided to conduct the proceedings through virtual mode only in courts across the national capital between January 3 and 15. “There is, indubitably, a sudden spurt and spike in Covid-19 cases in the NCT of Delhi. Such a rise is quite alarming and worrisome. The Government of NCT of Delhi has already issued a ‘yellow alert’ in Delhi.

A statement issued by the high court, which had started physical hearings from November 22, said the virtual proceedings arrangement shall continue till January 15.

The decision was taken after a office note was placed before Chief Justice D N Patel highlighting the present system of hearing of matters in the high court and district courts here and also about the rise in number of cases of COVID-19 infection in Delhi. 

“There is, indubitably, a sudden spurt and spike in COVID-19 cases in the NCT of Delhi. Such rise is quite alarming and worrisome. The Government of NCT of Delhi has already issued ‘yellow alert’ in Delhi.  It’s high time that this court also takes all the possible precautionary and preventive measures to thwart any possibility of resurgence of any wave of extreme nature,” the statement said.

The statement quoted Justice Patel saying, “I have also consulted with the esteemed members of the Administrative and General Supervision Committee of this court. They all are also of the view that immediate steps are required to be taken to safeguard the health and well-being of all the stakeholders while also ensuring that the justice delivery system remains functional.”

It further said inputs were also taken from the president of Delhi High Court Bar Association and chairman of Coordination Committee of All District Court Bar Associations of Delhi and other senior office bearers and they have assured full cooperation.

“The present grim scenario has left us with no other viable option. It is thus directed that this court shall, with effect from January 3, 2022, take up the matters, as per the existing arrangement with regard to listing of cases, through virtual mode only.