Lower courts, tribunals to operate virtually from Sunday

All the subordinate courts and tribunals across the country have been directed to operate judicial proceedings virtually except emergencies in a bid to stem the fresh surge of the Covid-19 cases.

A notification signed by the registrar general of the Supreme Court Mohammad Ali Akbar in this regard was issued Saturday following the directive of the chief justice.

“Judges of all civil and criminal subordinate courts and tribunals across the country should be present physically in the courts in case of necessity or operate judicial proceedings virtually using the information technology,” said the notification.

All kinds of cases can be filed with these courts in-person maintaining necessary health safety while judges will take depositions being present physically in the courts, it added.

Besides, the notification said, the accused persons can submit surrender papers physically.

The session judges of district and metropolitan and chief judicial magistrate and chief metropolitan magistrate will take necessary steps to ensure the social and physical distancing as per the health guidelines in consultation with the president and general secretary of the concerned District Bar Association, it said.

Noting that there is no obligation to wear gowns in conducting the virtual proceedings, it said if there is any problem in obeying this order, the direction of Bangladesh Supreme Court can be sought if necessary.

This order will come into effect immediately and continue until further notice, the notification said.