The Supreme Court observed that there should be a meeting between the judges committee and the newly elected representatives of the Supreme Court Bar Association(SCBA) for discussion on the contentious SOP which is formulated for hybrid hearings.
"We are of the view that it will be in the fitness of things that the members of the bar iron out their differences in the perception of SOP, for which the appropriate course will be to hear the newly elected representatives of the bar. Meaningful consultation can only be with the judges committee.
We would call upon the Secretary General to request judges committee to fix up a formal meeting with the bar", the bench ordered.
It was on March 6 that the SC published the SOP for starting hybrid functioning on an experimental basis from March 15. As per this arrangement, cases listed on miscellaneous days(Mondays and Fridays) will be heard virtually, and the final hearing matters listed on other days will have the option of physical hearing as well.
The final hearing and regular matters where the number of Advocates for the parties are more than the average working capacity of the Court rooms being 20 per court room according to the Covid-19 norms will invariably be listed for hearing through video conferencing mode.
The matter will be posted next Tuesday for further hearing.