SC Ready To Hear Lawyers Via Video Conferencing Amid Rising Covid Cases

A bench comprising the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and Justice J B Pardiwala, citing recent media reports, stated that the court is willing to allow lawyers to appear through a hybrid mode.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud ( Image Source :PTI )

New Delhi: The Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud on Wednesday acknowledged the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the country and said the Supreme Court is willing to hear lawyers via video conferencing.

A bench comprising of CJI D Y Chandrachud and Justice J B Pardiwala, citing recent media reports, stated that the court is willing to allow lawyers to appear through a hybrid mode, reported news agency PTI.

"We can hear you through video conferencing mode also," the CJI said.

India reported 4,435 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, while the active infections have climbed to 23,091, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. 

With the fresh cases, India's COVID-19 tally climbed to 4.47 crore (4,47,33,719). The active cases now comprise 0.05 per cent of the total infections and the national Covid recovery rate was recorded at 98.76 per cent, the ministry said.

Delhi recorded 521 fresh Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, the highest since August 27 last year. 

The positivity rate in the national capital stood at 15.64 per cent, according to data shared by the city health department. Active cases have risen to 1710. 

The death toll in the country climbed to 5,30,916 with 15 deaths. While four deaths were reported from Maharashtra, one each was reported by Delhi, Chattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Puducherry, and Rajasthan in a span of 24 hours and four reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

According to the ministry's website, 220.66 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday. Gehlot said he had moderate symptoms and would work from his residence for the next few days.

BJP leader and former CM of Rajasthan Vasundhara Raje also tested postive for coronavirus. "I have tested positive for Covid-19. I am in complete isolation on the advice of doctors. Those who have been in contact with me, get yourself tested and take precautions," Raje tweeted.