The Supreme Court will recommence hearing of the Chamber matters and Registrar Court matters from June 15th 2020. The Court has notified on Friday that all the Chamber matters and Registrar Court matters will be listed with effect from 15.06.2020 onwards. This will be the first time that Chamber matters and Registrar Court matters will get listed, post the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent imposition of the Nationwide lockdown.
“It is hereby notified for information of the Members of the Bar, Party-in- Person and all concerned that the Competent Authority has been pleased to direct that Chamber matters and Registrar Court matters will be listed w.e.f. 15.06.2020 onwards,” the Notification read.
The Supreme Court had previously issued orders directing all the officers of the rank of Deputy Registrar and above, or their equivalent, in the Registry to attend office May 4th. The partial modifications were done in the referred office orders issued on 22.03.2020, 27.03.2020 & 15.04.2020, whereas it was said in the order that the remaining staff will continue to work from home on such terms and conditions as notified earlier, by the orders under reference.
“however, concerned Registrar(s) may direct any other subordinate officer/staff to attend office to meet any urgent requirement(s) and, on such direction, such officer and/or staff shall report for duty at office on the date and time so directed,” said in the order.
The Court had also emphasized that all officers and staff, while commuting to and from office and also while at work, will have to strictly follow all precautions as per advisory or guidelines issued by the Government, and also as directed by the Registry, from time to time towards preventing the spread of the Covid-19 infection, like practicing social-distancing, undergoing thermal-screening, submitting self-declaration forms, wearing face masks etc.
The Apex Court had restricted its functioning back in March, after taking note of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and had decided to take up only urgent matters for hearing without allowing anyone except the lawyers inside the courtrooms and no persons except the lawyers were to be allowed in the courtrooms.
The decision was taken in a meeting presided over by CJI S A Bobde after taking note of the Centre’s March 5 advisory cautioning against mass gatherings.
The Court had later commenced virtual hearing of matters through video conferencing.
SC-circular-India Legal Bureau