SC to resume physical hearing with hybrid option from Sep 1

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has notified the SOP for resuming the physical hearing of cases along with the virtual hearing option from September 1.

As per the new SoP issued by the secretary-general of the top court, the physical hearing of cases will be held in matters requiring lengthy hearings on non-miscellaneous days i.e. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The apex court will reportedly employ a hybrid method with Monday and Fridays, which are miscellaneous days, having only virtual hearings.

However, the final decision may be taken by the concerned bench considering the number of parties in a matter as well as the limited capacity of the courtrooms.

"Further, any other matter may be heard in physical mode on such days, if Hon'ble Bench directs likewise. All other matters, including those listed on miscellaneous days, shall continue to be heard through video/teleconferencing mode", said the SOP for a physical hearing with a hybrid option.

Accordingly, Advocate-on-record (AoR) are required to register themselves on the top court's portal and submit their preferences for appearing before the concerned court either through physical mode or through video/teleconferencing mode within 24 hours/ 1.00 p.m. the next day after the publication of the weekly list of final hearing/ regular matters.

The SOP said: "In a matter listed for physical hearing (with hybrid option), one AoR (or his nominee), one arguing counsel and one junior counsel per party will be allowed entry; one registered clerk per party, as may be chosen by the AoR, shall be allowed entry to carry paper books /journals, etc. of the Counsels up to the Courtrooms."

The SOP further added that once hearing through physical mode is opted by the AoR or petitioner-in-person, hearing through video/teleconferencing mode to the party concerned will not be facilitated.