[COVID-19]: Karnataka High Court extends extends life of all interim orders passed by it and subordinate courts till May 29

The Karnataka High Court has further extended the life of all interim orders passed by itself, subordinate courts, and tribunals across the State to May 29..A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka had first extended the life of interim orders by an order dated April 16, 2020. This extension was renewed from time to time over the course of the past year..The Court has now passed the following directions with respect to extension of interim orders, to ensure that litigants do not suffer on account of their inability to approach the courts during the pandemic:All interim orders passed by the Karnataka High Court, all the District Courts, Civil Courts, Family Courts, Labour Courts, Industrial Tribunals and all other Tribunals in the State over which this Court has power of superintendence, which are due to expire within a period of one month from today, will continue to operate till May 29.If any orders of eviction, dispossession or demolition are already passed by the High Court, District or Civil Courts, the same shall remain in abeyance for a period of one month from today;.However, the Court also made it clear that if any person desires to apply for vacating an interim order, he/she may apply before the concerned court..The Court passed the directions while hearing a case registered suo motu after receiving two letters highlighting the various difficulties faced by the COVID positive patients in the State..On the issue of extending bail and anticipatory bail matters, the government counsel has been directed to address the Court tomorrow..During the hearing, the Court questioned the State on the possibility of setting up a High Powered Committee to look into the grievances raised by citizens related to COVID-19 issues.."The citizens must feel confident...Some machinery must be there to deal with their grievances," the Court orally observed..The matter will be heard next on April 17.