First physical hearing in SC since March 2020

The Supreme Court on Friday had conducted its first physical hearing in a case after a gap of more than 16 months. Since the beginning of the lockdown in March 2020, the top court has been taking up matters virtually via video conferencing.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday had held its first physical hearing in a case after a gap of more than 16 months. A bench comprising of Justice L Nageswara Rao and Justice Aniruddha Bose took up the hearing of a criminal case after a counsel involved in the matter had agreed to appear physically in the court to argue the matter on July 30. On the other hand, the court has also given the leverage to those parties who can appear physically. Also, advocates and judges have been given the option to argue from their residences or offices virtually.

Last year, the court had conducting hearings virtually and even the court staff were instructed to work on a rotational basis in a bid to contain the Covid 19 spread. It is known that a considerable number of staff had got infected with Covid and some deaths were also reported. Several judges had also tested positive during the second wave.

Initially only urgent matters were allowed to be listed before the court, but eventually all matters are now being listed. Meanwhile, virtual hearings are being conducted through 'Vidyo App' in the top court and earlier this year court had created a provision for journalists also to access hearing through the Supreme Court app.

Earlier, several requests were made regarding the reopening of the court, but no decision was taken. Even, former CJI SA Bobde had said that medical professionals were against the decision given the prevalence of the deadly pandemic. Many advocates too had struggled financially due to the lockdown following a decrease in clients as their earnings are based on the cases they handle. Following the crisis, the BAR council had even set up a fund to help such advocates.