Breaking: Delhi High Court modifies circular on physical hearing, lawyers can now opt for virtual hearings after advance notice

The Delhi High Court administration has issued an order clarifying that a hybrid system is being adopted to permit both physical and virtual hearings, in partial modification of its January 14 circular concerning the resumption of physical hearings..Pertinently, it assures that a lawyer may opt for the virtual hearing of a matter listed for physical hearing, provided advance intimation is given..The latest order clarifies:A party may join proceedings through virtual mode while the other is physically present in Court.Matters would be taken up for physical hearing as per the Roster of the judges.However, a request for taking up any such matter through virtual mode shall be entertained by the Court when advance intimation is provided..Steps taken already to implement the Hybrid System.Steps for setting up the infrastructure for a hybrid system have already been initiated in Chief Justice's Court Room in the High Court. .In this regard, it is observed that the following measures have been put in place at the High Court:TV screens have been installed in the Chief Justice's Court to enable advocates opting for the hybrid system to appear before virtually before the Court. Those comfortable with physical hearing can appear in accordance with the Standard Operating Protocol laid down by the High Court.As part of COVID-19 preventive measures, judges, court staff and advocates are separated by glass shields.In Division Benches, a glass shield has been installed between the judges as well.Entry into the court rooms is strictly regulated to follow norms of social distancing.An audio system with microphones has also been set up in Court Room 1 of the High Court..As a lawyer struggled to make himself audible to the Bench through the layers of glass shields, Chief Justice DN Patel today had occasion to remark,"Put your microphone on.. you see how powerful you are now!".Two matters were heard through the hybrid system this morning by the Division Bench of Chief Justice Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh. .The developments come close on the heels of concerns registered by some sections of the Bar over the High Court's earlier decision to resume physical hearings from January 18 for some Benches of the Court. .A number of petitions were filed in the Supreme Court in this regard. Objections were registered over there being no option given to the concerned lawyer/party for a virtual hearing..Earlier this week, the Supreme Court declined to interfere in the matter, expressing that it trusted the Delhi High Court's Chief Justice to take an appropriate decision on the matter. ."We trust Chief Justice will take proper decision", Supreme Court disposes of plea challenging restart of physical hearing at Delhi High Court.The notification issued today comes after a meeting held with the High Court's Registrar General last evening. .Read the Order: