Bombay High Court to shift to hybrid mode of hearing from January 4

Bombay High Court. File Pic

The Bombay High Court will be shifting to a "hybrid" mode of hearing from January 4 in the wake of rising Covid-19 cases in the city.

According to Free Press Journal, the decision will only apply to the principal seat of the court in Mumbai and will be applicable till further orders are issued. The decision was taken on December 31 by Justice AA Sayed, who presided the meeting.

During the virtual hearing, litigants can only enter the premises of the court if they are ordered to remain present. However, lawyers are allowed to argue their cases in the courtroom in person before the judge.

This development comes on the back of an increasing number of Covid-19 cases and Omicron infections across Maharashtra. On January 2, the state reported 11,877 fresh Covid-19 cases, 2,707 more than the day before, and 50 Omicron infections. Of the 11,877 cases, 7,792 were from Mumbai.