Lawyers oppose HC directions to start 100% Physical hearing in District Courts

Fearing a rise in COVID-19 cases, many Advocates practising at the city's sessions courts plan to make a representation, urging the principal judge to defer 100 per cent physical attendance in Courts for now. Last week, Bombay HC's administrative committee said all Lower Courts will work in 2 shifts & proceedings will be held daily for a total of 5 hours, instead of the 3 at present.

Meanwhile, about 200 lawyers practising in the appellate side before Bombay High Court signed a representation to support & seek resumption of physical hearing in High Court. The lawyers will make a representation to Chief Justice Dipankar Datta on Tuesday when he is likely to hold a meeting to decide on continuation largely of virtual courts as sought by Bombay Bar Association till Dec 31, with few more Courts for final hearing matters physically.

Lawyers seeking physical hearing say they will take precautions & risks, but said theirs is the "most severely affected profession". With not all having online access, their right to earn a livelihood is affected too, said.

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