Kerala High Court permits limited physical hearing in District Courts after govt relaxes lockdown restrictions [Read Guidelines]

The Kerala High Court on Friday issued an official memorandum with revised guidelines for the functioning of courts in the district judiciary with effect from Monday, June 21, 2021..As per the new guidelines, courts will have the liberty to hold limited physical hearings which will be at the discretion of the presiding officer. .The memo, signed by Registrar (District Judiciary), PG Ajithkumar, stated that this revised advisory is being issued as the State Government has begun easing lockdown restrictions across Kerala..District Judges have been directed to submit reports regarding the functioning of the courts in their districts after two weeks of following the new guidelines..The new guidelines are as follows1. 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 afternoon2. 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..Lawyers, litigants adversely affected by online functioning of trial courts: Ernakulam Bar Association writes to Kerala High Court Chief Justice.Just a day ago, President of the Ernakulam Bar Association (EBA), Advocate Anil S Raj had written to Chief Justice S Manikumar regarding the difficulties faced by lawyers and litigants due to courts functioning exclusively online. The suggestions made by the EBA for the functioning of courts in both physical and online mode while adhering to COVID protocols are reflected in the guidelines issued by the High Court today.