Madras HC issues SOP for functioning of Subordinate Courts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

  

Madras High Court has allowed physical hearing in Subordinate Courts in the State of Tamil Nadu and Union Territory of Puducherry.

The notification states that “directions are issued regarding functioning of the Subordinate Courts in the State of Tamil Nadu and Union Territory of Puducherry w.e.f.19.07.2021.”

The Directions are as follows:

1. Hearing of cases may be taken up through Physical / Virtual / Hybrid mode, by observing COVID-19 safety protocol such as wearing of mask, maintaining social distancing, etc.
2. The Principal District Judges / District Judges in the State of Tamil Nadu and the Chief Judge, Puducherry, shall take all required steps for normal functioning of all subordinate Courts in their respective Districts / Units, subject to strict adherence of abovesaid COVID-19 safety protocol, by all concerned.
3. Examination of witnesses on physical mode may be resumed.
4. The Principal District Judges / District Judges shall ensure that Advocates are present in the Courts only for their respective cases and they leave the Court Halls / Premises immediately after conclusion of hearing of the case, to avoid overcrowding.
5. Presence of Advocates in the Court Hall at a time may not exceed 8 in number. Advocates may also be requested to avoid unnecessary entry and gathering in the Court Complex and to maintain social distancing and to follow other COVID-19 safety protocol.
6.  Bar Associations, Association Libraries and canteens etc., shall remain closed until further orders. However, to sanitise and to provide access for the Lawyers, the Bar Associations may be opened for four hours on Saturdays.
7. 100% Staff may be permitted to work, by strictly observing aforesaid COVID-19 safety protocol. However, the Principal District Judges/District Judges may dispense with the attendance of any staff not immediately necessary.
8.  The Principal District Judges/Principal Judge/District Judges of the District concerned and the Chief Judge, UT of Puducherry should make all arrangements for the smooth functioning of Courts, without compromising on the COVIO 19 safety protocol.                 
   

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