Return to open court hearings after lockdown : SC Bar Association urges CJI

The Supreme Court Bar Association has urged the Chief Justice of India that open court hearings should be restored at the earliest once the Covid-19 lockdown is lifted. 

Letter given to Chief Justice of India SA Bobde and other companion judges of Supreme Court, stated that the Supreme Court proceedings which is being conducted by video conferencing must be limited to the time period of present crises, and also stated that video conferencing should not become the “new normal’ and it should not replace the “Open Court Hearings.”

It is being well settled that, all cases brought before the courts, whether it is civil,criminal,or others, must be heard in open court. 

Once the lockdown is lifted and Ministry of Health permits, then the open Court Hearings should commence with social distancing. 

By Sonika bisht of Law college Dehradun