New Delhi: About 98 per cent of the cases in Delhi High Court were heard via video conferencing during restricted judicial functioning period owing to COVID-19. Out of 12,244 cases, only 346 cases were heard in open court from March 18 to September 17. The number of judges in a bench was also limited in the High Court since September 1.
From March 17, the High Court hearing of trials via video conferencing. Ever since the lockdown was declared on March 25, the High Court heard 12,244 cases till October 17. Out of these, 11,784 cases were heard through video conferencing.
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The parties also sought case hearing of trial via video conferencing. As per reports, 98 per cent of the parties opted for hearing via video conferencing, out of which around 12,167 cases were filed online. Only 346 cases were heard in open court.
Even when the High Court initiated for an open hearing, the parties had demanded hearing via video conferencing. Regular hearing in five benches was restarted from September 1.
As Unlock measures initiated, a quarter of the cases including routine cases in lower courts are being heard through open courts.
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