Telangana HC to function only three days a week

Hyderabad: Amid the government shutdown in the wake of the Corona virus, the Telangana High Court has decided to operate only three days a week. Moreover, all persons attending the court, including the judges, will have to undergo thermal screenings.

In view of the possible threat of spreading the COVID-19 virus, the HC said it will take up only urgent matters, namely bail petitions, interlocutory applications and dire urgent matters where a stay is required. In matters where the stay is expiring, the cases will be automatically listed or the stay will be extended. According to the HC resolution, thermal screenings will be done at the entrance of the court.

One division Bench and four single-judge Benches will function only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until further orders. The court has also released a schedule for the next week. Since 25 March is a public holiday in view of Ugadi, the court will stay open on 23 March (Monday), 26 March (Thursday), and 27 March (Friday).

The court also ordered that no advocates, whose matters are not listed and have no litigants, shall be permitted to attend the court until further orders. Only advocates whose cases fall within the next five hearings will be permitted into the court. Other advocates will have to await their turn in the corridors.

The services of law clerks attached to the judges will be dispensed with until further orders. Filing of new cases will go on as usual. The court also ordered that the advocates and party-in persons cannot entail any adverse orders.