JSC issues instructions on operating courthouses during pandemic

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Judicial Services Commission issued a series of instructions on Friday (30) to all High Court Judges, Judicial Officers, and Presidents of Labour Tribunals, taking into account the present COVID-19 pandemic situation in the island.

The instructions will be in effect from 03rd May 2021 to 07th May 2021, said a statement. The instructions are as follows: 01. Calling cases should not be taken up in open courts and the re-scheduled dates of those cases are to be notified by publication of a notice at the entrance to the respective courts. 02. All other hearings to be restricted to a limited number of Trial/Inquiry matters and urgent/essential matters only 03. Apart from the limited number of trial/inquiry matters to be taken up for hearing, all other trials/inquiry matters to be re-scheduled at the beginning of the court sessions of each day. 04. The limited number of trial/inquiry cases should be taken up on a staggered basis and the relevant time slots should be notified in advance. 05. Where ever possible granting of bail or extension of remand period of suspects/accused in custody to be done through electronic means. 06. During the period from 03.05.2021 to 07.05.2021 no advance/default orders due to the absence of a party/witness or Attorney-at-Law be passed indiscriminately. 07. Request from parties/Attorneys-at-Law/Witnesses for adjournments to be considered favorably during the above period. 08. Attorneys-at-Law are requested to advise their clients not to visit the court unless their presence is directed by the court or essential. 09. Ensure that there is no gathering of people inside or outside the gates of the courthouses. 10. Ensure social distancing and other guidelines in relation to the prevention of COVID-19 are adhered to at all times.