New Delhi: Almost after 18 months of virtual hearing, the Supreme Court will resume physical hearing of cases in a limited manner from September 1 and will continue it along with virtual hearing thrice a week - Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The top court will reportedly employ a hybrid method with Monday and Fridays, which are miscellaneous days, having only virtual hearings, said a top court senior official.
The official added the decision may be taken by the concerned bench, considering the number of parties in a matter as well as the limited capacity of the courtrooms.
"Further, any other matter may be heard in physical mode on such days, if Hon'ble Bench directs likewise. All other matters, including those listed on miscellaneous days, shall continue to be heard through video/teleconferencing mode," said the SOP (standard operating procedure) for the physical hearing with hybrid option. The SOP has been issued by the secretary-general of the top court.
Advocate-on-record (AoR) are required to register themselves on the top court's portal and submit their preferences for appearing before the concerned court either through physical mode or through video/teleconferencing mode within 24 hours/1.00 p.m. next day after the publication of the weekly list of final hearing/ regular matters.
The SOP said: "In a matter listed for physical hearing (with hybrid option), one AoR (or his nominee), one arguing counsel and one junior counsel per party will be allowed entry; one registered clerk per party, as may be chosen by the AoR, shall be allowed entry to carry paper books /journals, etc. of the Counsels up to the Courtrooms."
The SOP further added that once hearing through physical mode is opted by the AoR or petitioner-in-person, hearing through video/teleconferencing mode to the party concerned will not be facilitated.
The Supreme Court has been hearing matters virtually since March 2020 after the coronavirus pandemic hit India.
