Punjab and Haryana High Court decided to head cases at full strength in virtual mode

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has decided to hear cases via virtual mode with full strength from February 1.

A notification in this regard was issued by the High Court on January 30 which states that all the Benches will hold the court through Video Conference from February 1, 2022. Previously, the High Court has been functioning with only 50 percent of judges since January 10.

For entry to the court rooms, the advocates, advocates-clerks, law interns, and the general public shall not be permitted inside the High Court building.

It’s ordered that to ensure judicial proceedings are conducted with due protocol as are being observed during judicial proceedings in the court.

Except advocate or litigant shall be allowed in the room from where litigant/advocate is appearing through video conferencing, video call – facility; Outsiders are not allowed.

As per the orders of the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, the cases will be heard via virtual mode only for time being through software, however, in case of a technical failure the hearing may be conducted through WhatsApp or Google Duo, as per the convenience of the Bench.

Earlier, in view of the sudden surge in Covid-19 cases in the States of Punjab, Haryana, and Union Territory Chandigarh and with a view to ensuring the safety of Judges, Advocates, Staff, and Litigants, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had decided to hear cases only though Virtual Mode from January 5.