New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of conducting physical hearings at present in view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation.
A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said that a seven-judge committee of the apex court would consider after four weeks the aspect of re-starting physical hearing in the top court.
The CJI's observation came when a lawyer sought resumption of the physical court hearing to deal with a batch of petitions relating to grant of quota in promotions to SC/ST employees in various states.
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Owing to the prevailing COVID-19 situation, the Supreme Court has been working online since March. Its e-committee decides and reviews upon the online services to be provided to facilitate the advocates in filing and arguing cases.
The top court has facilitated e-filing of petitions, mentioning of cases is being done without physical appearance, and cases are being heard in virtual courts where the judges and advocates appear from their residence or offices.
Keeping in mind that every person might not have a computer, the court has also opened few places in New Delhi from where the advocates can argue their cases online the advocates in filing and arguing cases.
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(Inputs from Agency)
