Re-evaluate viability of continuation of physical hearings: Sr Adv Rajiv Nayar writes to Chief Justice, Delhi HC

Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar has written to the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court urging him to re-look at the viability of continuation of physical hearings. .With a deep sense of anguish and pain I say that the time has come to have a serious re-look at the viability of continuation of these physical hearings especially keeping in mind the health and safety of the Hon’ble Judges, my fellow lawyers and the staff, whether employed by the Court or by lawyers.Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar has written. .Nayar has stated that at the time when the decision was taken to resume physical hearing, the number of reported COVID-19 cases were close to 600 per day and it was felt that the situation was improving in the national capital.."However, the situation has drastically worsened in the past few weeks and there are no signs of improvement at least in the near future. I have learnt that there is once again a shortage of beds in hospitals for COVID patients and hence there is an urgent need to maintain precautions.", Nayar writes. .It is pointed out that Delhi and its surrounding areas are reporting cases in excess of 3500 per day. .COVID-19 dragon has not been tamed: Delhi HC on spike in cases in the national capital.Further referring to media reports on large number COVID-19 cases in courts, Nayar has urged that the Chief Justice re-evaluate the decision to continue with physical hearings..The system of hearings through video conferencing, which has been put in place is working wonders and now the time has come to expand the hearings to regular matters as well instead of en bloc adjournments to another date. The Hon’ble Courts have adapted well to these systems and now are in position to take up a large number of matters, if not all, through video conferencing.Nayar has asserted. .Once the situation improves, we all look forward to a full scale resumption of our beloved High Court, he says. .Should not resume physical hearings until COVID-19 situation in Delhi improves: Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar writes to Delhi HC Chief Justice.Last month, Senior Advocate Nayar had written to the Chief Justice and urged him to not resume physical hearings in the High Court. .Breaking: [COVID-19] Delhi High Court issues Standard Operating Procedure for physical hearings from September 1 [Read roster].Subsequently, the High Court resumed graded physical hearing from September 1 for a period of 14 days, on an experimental basis. .Read the letter:.Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.