New Delhi, Jan. 6: Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Thursday hinted that the Supreme Court would not hear cases through physical mode for the next four to six weeks, in light of the increasing cases of COVID-19.
An observation to this effect was made during the hearing of the All India Judges Association case, reports Bar and Bench.
Another Bench headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao said that the Court would only take up urgent matters next week, owing to the pandemic situation.
The five senior most judges of the Court began proceedings half an hour late at 11 am today, as they were discussing the way forward even as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
The Court recently decided to hear cases through virtual mode only for two weeks starting from January 3, 2022. The circular issued by the apex court on January 2 modified the standard operating procedure (SOP) of October 7, 2021 as per which virtual hearings would be held only on miscellaneous days (Mondays and Fridays) while hybrid hearings would happen on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays.
Various High Courts have already switched to virtual or hybrid hearing in view of spike in COVID-19 cases and the Omicron variant of the virus.
