In view of the Coronavirus pandemic, it has been decided that only a Bench comprising two judges will sit at the Supreme Court to hear "extremely urgent cases" in the ensuing week.
The circular issued in this regard reads,
"Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India has, after consulting his colleagues, directed that during the course of the ensuing week, a Bench of two Hon’ble Judges, as may be necessary to hear extremely urgent cases, will be available to transact judicial work."
Supreme Court Circular
A Bench would be made available for court work on Wednesday, March 25, and the cause list will be accordingly notified on the previous day, the circular reads. The circular also states that hearings may be conducted through video conferencing.
Advocates as well as parties in person should indicate the extreme urgency of the matter in writing and the same may be be listed at the discretion of the presiding judge.
In another circular issued, it has been intimated that on Monday, March 23, only one Bench will assemble to take up cases for hearing. This Bench -headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde and Justices L Nageswara Rao and Surya Kant - will assemble at 11 am on Monday.
Thereafter, another bench of CJI Bobde and Justice DY Chandrachud will take up matters through video conferencing as per the list previously issued on March 21, 2020.
The circular further mentioned that hearing of matters in court room numbers 2, 8 and 14 will not take place. These matters hence stand adjourned.
The Chief Justice of India has further directed that the offices of the Supreme Court Registry (except Protocol & Caretaking Section) shall remain closed for a week, from March 23 till March 28. However, officers shall available at home if at all the concerned Registrar requires the presence of any officer.
[Read the circulars here]
