SCBA plea challenges SOP for hybrid hearings

The hybrid mechanism will enable the counsel to appear either via virtual mode or be physically present in court — mooted as a step before complete normalcy is restored.

By: Express News Service
New Delhi | March 9, 2021 04:40 AM IST

1 min read

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Maharashtra was ranked topmost among 18 states for the second time in a row in a survey titled 'India Justice Report', which tracks the criminal justice system through police, prisons, judiciary and legal aid. (Representational)

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Monday moved the Supreme Court challenging the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the court for hybrid hearings starting March 15.

The SCBA said the SOP had been framed without consulting the Bar which is an equal stakeholder in the justice delivery system.

The hybrid mechanism will enable the counsel to appear either via virtual mode or be physically present in court — mooted as a step before complete normalcy is restored.

The SCBA plea said that the SOP does not have a provision for hybrid hearing on Monday and Friday when miscellaneous (fresh) matters are taken up. It also does not have any provision to facilitate oral mentioning for urgent matters, it said.

The SOP was issued on March 5.

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