Tanvi Sinha
Jammu and Kashmir High Court all set for reopening court for physical hearings in all districts, subordinate and tribunal courts in J&K and Ladakh UTs from 8th February.
This comes alongside notices of other Indian High Courts, such as the Madras High Court also opening on the same day.
According to the order issued by the chief justice Pankaj Mithal, they had kept in view of all the procedures being done by the government of India to prevent the virus before they decided to go forth with this decision.
However, the order has still placed certain restrictions keeping in mind the virus not having been eradicated yet and has stated that advocates would restrict entry in a manner that only those who have cases listed would be able to enter.
They are also told to maintain social distancing and not huddle in the well or the gallery outside the courtrooms and additionally are required to leave the courtrooms after their business ends.
Clerks and agents of the advocates are still prohibited from entering and virtual sessions are still allowed. The entry of advocates in high court registry and other court offices is however still prohibited.