Cuttack: In view of rising COVID cases in the state, the Orissa High Court has decided to switch over to virtual mode from hybrid arrangement for hearing of cases from January 10 to February 4.
As per an official order, the hearing of cases the hybrid arrangement will be suspended during the period. The hearing will be conducted through virtual mode/video-conferencing. The hybrid system – hearing through both physical and virtual modes – was in operation since August 2.
“All the benches shall function only through video-conferencing (VC) from January 10 till February 4. In addition to the existing two VC cabins, one more cabin will be made functional on Odisha State Bar Council premises to facilitate appearance of the counsel through VC,” TNIE quoted Registrar (Judicial) Suman Kumar Mishra as saying.
The order further said the offices of the High Court will function with 50% strength of employees except officers in the rank of assistant registrar and above who will attend office daily. Besides, the entry of people except officers and staff of the court will be restricted.
The cases and documents will be filed through e-filing portal or drop box from 10.30 am to 2 pm.
The High Court has also notified all subordinate courts and tribunals in the state to function with 50% staff from Monday.
