Karnataka High Court to hear cases via hybrid mode from Feb 7 after fall in COVID cases

In view of the decrease in number of COVID-19 infections in the State, the Karntataka High Court has relaxed the restrictions imposed at its Principal Bench in Bengaluru and the Dharwad, Kalbhagiri seats and has allowed hearings through hybrid mode. .The notification in this regard states that all Benches are to hear cases via hybrid mode with effect from February 7, until further orders.This would mean that lawyers and parties-in-person can choose to appear before the Court through video conference or physically in the court room.Advocates and parties-in-person whose cases are listed are allowed to enter the court complex by strictly complying with COVID norms. Parties-in-person are required to show details of the case listed through a hard copy or an electronic copy. Every person entering Court premises including advocates, parties-in-person, staff members and litigants should preferably wear double face-mask including one N95 face mask ,and staff of the High Court are to wear hand gloves all the time..All persons entering the premises will be scanned at the entry point with temperature scanners or thermal scanners, and an inquiry will be made through health workers to ascertain whether they have known symptoms of COVID-19. Those who are found to have symptoms will not be permitted to enter Court premises. Names and cell phone numbers of all persons entering the Court precincts will be recorded. Court premises will be sanitised once or twice a week, and wearing of masks is compulsory in Court halls, Bar Association Premises, offices and in the Court compound. Anybody found not wearing a mask will be immediately required to leave the premises..The main components of the SOP include: - Filing of cases is permitted by two modes, e-filing and physical filing- The filing counter will be open from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm on all working days, i.e from Monday to Friday, and from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm on all working Saturdays- Two urgent counters will remain open until 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday to receive Interlocutory Applications, Memos and documents - The court fee can be paid online through the High Court website on the “Online Copy Application/Court Fee Payment”, and may also be paid directly at the counter.- Notary and Oath Commissioners are allowed to operate in the available parking open space at the Principal Bench at Bengaluru.- Office objections can be rectified from Monday to Friday from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm and on Saturday from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm. - The canteen will be open subject to Advocates and staff complying with COVID-19 norms. The Advocates Association will be kept open at 50% of its seating capacity. Karnataka High Court had adopted virtual hearing in January 2022 after rise in COVID cases..[Read Notification]