Kerala High Court has issued an Official Memorandum with revised guidelines pertaining to physical hearing in District Courts of Kerala.
The High Court of Kerala has allowed limited physical Hearing in District Court which will be at the discretion of the presiding officer. This move has come after, when the Government has eased out the restrictions imposed on account of the lockdown to a good extent.
The District Judges are instructed to submit a report regarding the functioning of the courts in their Districts after two weeks of this memorandum.
The Revised Guidelines for District Courts are as follows:
1. A restricted cause list of cases to be taken up for the week are to be published on the previous Friday and a copy will be sent to the Bar Association. All other cases shall be adjourned by notification. Hearings shall be scheduled on time slots split up in the forenoon and afternoon
2. Crowding shall not be permitted in court premises under any circumstances and the Presiding Officer of each court is to ensure the same.
3. Presence of parties will be insisted only if absolutely necessary. Any party entering the court must carry a letter issued by their counsel affirming that their presence in court is vital that day.
4. Sitting shall be in physical mode at the discretion of the Presiding Officer.
5. If possible, only examination of witnesses may be done through video conferencing and hearing of cases, as far as possible, may also be done through video conferencing.
6. Court proceedings may be commenced online at 10:45 a.m and for the first 15 minutes, advocates and parties can make their requests to take up any urgent matters.
7. Except in courts where e-filing is allowed, cases shall be filed physically.
8. Courts shall ensure physical distancing norms inside courtrooms as well as verandas outside. Seating shall be arranged strictly complying with social distancing rules and Directives issued by the Central and State Governments and the Health department from time to time.
9. Staff attendance is court offices shall be limited to 50% on rotation basis while others work from home.
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