The Supreme Court today said next step in curbing coronavirus spread is virtual courts.
Amid scare over coronavirus or COVID-19, which has spread to 143 countries and killed over 5,000 people worldwide, the Supreme Court today said that "there will be virtual courts soon", adding that lawyers can argue cases through video conferencing from next week.
"Our intention is that courts should not become the place where the illness spreads," Justice DY Chandrachud - who is heading one of the six benches - said.
The top court, which has taken several precautionary measures over
COVID-19- declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation last week - has allowed only restricted entry of lawyers, litigants and journalists in the courtroom. This morning, long queues were seen outside top court as thermal screening began to curb the spread of the illness.
"Chief Justice (SA Bobde) is constantly in touch with all high courts. We have taken the first step. The next step would be the filing will be digital and virtual courts," he added.
"There should be voluntary compliance by the lawyers, litigants and everyone whoever comes to court," Justice DY Chandrachud said, stressing that the top court has "consulted medical experts from Apollo, Fortis" over the highly contagious disease that originated in China's Wuhan city in December.
Last week, the top court said it would hear only urgent cases after it took note of the government's March 5 advisory cautioning against mass gatherings.
"On reviewing the advisory issued by the Government of India and in view of the opinion of public health experts including medical professionals and also considering the safety and welfare of all the visitors, litigants, lawyers, court staff, security, maintenance and support staff, student interns and media professionals, the Competent Authority has been pleased to direct that the functioning of the courts shall be restricted to urgent matters with such number of benches as may be found appropriate," a notification by top court said.
"It is hereby notified that no persons except the lawyers who are going to act in the matter, that is either for argument or for making oral submissions or to assist along with one litigant only, shall be permitted in the court room," it said, adding that the mentioning of matters for urgent hearing will be made only before the mentioning officer.
On Sunday, Chief Justice SA Bobde clarified that there cannot be a "complete shutdown" of courts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He will take a round of court premises tomorrow to oversee the precautionary measures and has urged for media cooperation.