BENGALURU: With the state government notifying unlock measures, the Karnataka high court has issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for hearings.
These guidelines will be effective from Monday.
The principal bench of the high court in Bengaluru will hear cases under a hybrid model, i.e.
physical and online proceedings, in both sessions.
But physical presence of people associated with cases won’t be allowed; they will have to appear through the online mode.
Lawyers have also been urged to follow this.
District and trial courts have been advised to list 30 cases per day (15 per session) to reduce the footfall of lawyers.
Courts are permitted to record evidence of a maximum of five witnesses per day.
They can also conduct this process by physically calling witnesses in the open court.
At all the places, people permitted to enter will be subjected to thermal screening.
Masks and social distancing are mandatory.
Bar association offices and canteens or any other food outlet within trial court precincts will remain closed.
The attendance relaxation given to staff members has been withdrawn and they will have to attend regular duties.
Up to 50 per cent of machine operators and job typists will be allowed on the premises, provided they are fully vaccinated.
Parties-in-person can enter the court complex only for the purpose of physical filing, and not any other activity.
But this restriction will not apply to those appearing in family and labour courts.