New Delhi: In the wake of rising number of Coronavirus cases, the Supreme Court has suspended all physical hearings for the next two weeks, reverting to virtual hearings.
The decision comes in the light of growing concern over the surge in infections of the new Covid variant Omicron.
The notice issued by the apex court reads, "It is hereby notified for the information of the members of the bar, party-in-person and all concerned that keeping in view the rising number of cases of Omicron variant (COVID-19), the competent authority has been pleased to direct that modified Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) notified on October 7, 2021, for physical hearing (hybrid mode) will remain suspended for the present, and all hearings before the courts for a period of two weeks from and with effect from January 3, shall be through virtual mode only."
The situation is going to be reviewed again after two weeks and a further course of action will be decided, said officials.
According to the Supreme Court registrar Chirag Bhanu Singh and BLN Acharya, the Bar Association, petitioner in person and all the other parties have been informed about this decision.
The top court has been holding virtual hearings since March 2020 since the onset of the Covid pandemic.
In a circular issued on October 7, 2021, the Supreme Court had directed that the physical hearings be held two days a week - on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and the hybrid hearing was fixed for Thursday. The virtual hearing days were fixed for Mondays and Fridays.