SC to conduct trials virtually from Wednesday

Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique has decided to conduct trial proceedings of Supreme Court's both divisions - Appellate and High Court - virtually from Wednesday due to an upward trend in coronavirus cases.

The decision was disclosed in two separate notices issued by the apex court administration on Tuesday.

Earlier this morning, the CJ hinted at the possibility of accomplishing court proceedings virtually as a notable number of justices and staff of the Supreme Court caught coronavirus.

BSS adds: On May 9 in 2020, an ordinance was issued at the request of the Supreme Court to use information technology in court proceedings such as trials, judicial investigations, appeal hearings, hearing testimonies or arguments and also to ensure the presence of all parties while a court issues an order or announces a verdict.

The Supreme Court issued a practice guidance on May 10, 2020 for running the court proceedings using digital platforms like videoconferencing.

The functions of the both divisions of the SC resumed physically since December 1 last year after the Covid-19 cases decreased.

FH/SU