COVID-19: This HC allows physical filing of new matters ‘experimentally’ from May 13-15 amid Lockdown

SC strikes down the Discplinary Rules framed by Madras High Court for Lawyers 12 May 2020

Lockdown 3.0 is soon to end and restoring normalcy is on everyone’s mind.

In this view, the Karnataka High Court has decided to permit physical filing of new cases on an experimental basis on May 13, 14 and 15 from 11:00 am onwards even as the restictions continues.

It has been conveyed that he advocates/parties-in-person/clerks who want to file matters on the dates mentioned will have to apply for seeking appointment for physical filing of the matters.

Applications are to be made on the e-mail: hck-filing@hck.gov.in

After applying, those interested in physically filling will be informed about the date, time and counter number.

“For approaching the filing counters, Advocates/parties-inperson/ Advocates’ clerks will have to stand in queue in the pendal specially erected near Northern wing of Athara Kacheri, opposite Vidhana Soudaha. Social distancing shall be maintained while standing in the queue. Needless to add that no person will be allowed to enter in the High Court precincts without wearing a mask.”

IMPORTANT POINTS

1. As many as five matters can be physically filed at a time.

2.If there is an urgency for hearing, then a memo in that regard will have to be moved for fixing the date by as per the procedure set out in the notification dated April 30.

3. Once the filing is completed, the concerned persons have to immediately leave the Court premises, and won’t be submitted in again.

4. The persons who appear to physically file matters are required to comply with the social distancing norm and have to wear masks.

5. No entry shall be allowed without showing a print out or a soft copy of appointment for filing.

“The aforesaid arrangement is made on the trial basis and the same is liable to be cancelled in the event it is found that the Advocates/parties-in-person/Advocates’ clerks are not following the safety norms of wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.”
Present facility of e-filing to continue until further orders