In light of the surge in COVID-19 cases and the government's subsequent "yellow alert" in the national capital, the Delhi High Court has decided to switch to full virtual hearings from January 3, 2022 to January 15, 2022.
According to an office order issued by the High Court on Thursday, the District Courts in Delhi will only hear cases in virtual mode during the specified period.
"Due to the sudden surge and spike in Covid-19 cases in the NCT of Delhi, as well as the issuance of a 'yellow alert' in Delhi by GNCTD, as directed by Hon'ble the Chief Justice, it is hereby informed to all concerned that, with effect from January 3, 2022, this Court will only take up matters through virtual mode, as per the existing arrangement with regard to case listing. The Registrar and Joint Registrar (Judicial) courts will also only deal with virtual matters. With effect from January 3, 2022, the District Courts in Delhi will only hold court in a virtual mode," says the office order.
Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court DN Patel made the decision after consulting with stakeholders, including members of the High Court's Administrative and General Supervision Committee, and receiving input from the president of the Delhi High Court Bar Association, the chairperson of the All District Court Bar Associations of Delhi, and other senior office bearers.
The video conferencing links for the courts will be made available on the concerned court's website/case list(s). On January 15, 2022, the agreement will be reviewed.