No cases to be taken up for hearing in open courts from March 20-27: JSC

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) announced today that no cases shall be heard in open courts except for cases which are decided by the judge as urgent and necessary for a week from tomorrow onwards with the aim of preventing the spread of COVID-19 virus in the country.

Issuing a special circular describing criterion for court proceedings for a week, the JSC said that all scheduled cases will be called on other days, and accepting applications for court bail will proceed as usual. 

The Circular was issued focusing cases to be called in Commercial High Courts, High Courts, Civil Appellate Courts, District Courts, Magistrates Courts and Labour Tribunals from March 20 to 27.

The Commission further stated that if a lawyer wants to make a plea to the courts to hear a case due to an urgent reason, only requests made by a motion before 10.00 a.m. will be considered.

The Commission also advised to use video technology in the process of extending the detention period of inmates instead of bringing them into the courts. Provisions for police bailouts should be used as far as possible, and the Magistrates must maintain proper coordination with the police in respective areas.