Judicial Service Commission issues a special circular with guidelines on how judicial activities will take place

The Judicial Service Commission has issued a special circular with several guidelines on how judicial activities will take place from today until the 27th of this month. The special circular has been issued in order to combat the spread of the Covid-19 in Sri Lanka. The special circular will provide guidelines to Commercial High Courts, High Courts, Civil Courts of Appeal, District Courts, Magistrates Courts and Labour Tribunal Courts. “It has been decided by the Judicial Service Commission to not call up any case in open court unless the judge deems hearing the case as urgent and essential,” President's Media Division noted. The process of applying for bail will be done in a regular manner, the statement added. “If a lawyer requests for a case to be called up urgently, motions in that regard which are submitted before 10 am would only be considered,” Judicial Service Commission said. Extending the remand period of detainees who are currently in remand custody would be done using video calling technology without calling them to court. The circular issued by the Judicial Service Commission also notes that provisions regarding Police Bailouts must be utilised to the fullest extent and it is the task of Magistrates to maintain proper coordination with the Police Department of a particular area