Kriti Agrawal –
Due to the city’s covid situation, virtual hearings will continue at the Bombay High Court’s principal seat in Mumbai until 30th June 2021.
The decision was made during a meeting presided over by Chief Justice Dipankar Datta.
The conference was attended by Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Chahal and other stakeholders, including administrative committee Judges of the Bombay High Court and representatives of State, Union, and Bar Associations.
Following Advocates’ requests, the Chief Justice decided to hold hearings three days a week instead of twice a week for Single and Division Bench Justices. An SOP to that effect will be issued shortly.
The decision to reopen the subordinate judiciary in Maharashtra, including District and Magistrate Courts, has been delegated to Principal District Judges.
Another meeting to review the situation is now scheduled for July 1.
Due to the spike in Covid 19 cases in Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court decided to return to the virtual and hybrid style of proceedings in April.