[COVID-19] Amid Coronavirus Lockdown, Meghalaya High Court Announces New Mode of Working for all Subordinate Courts, District Courts & Tribunals

In the view of the outbreak of COVID-19 and the nation-wide consequential lockdown, the Hon’ble Justice HS Thangkhiew and D Deingdo released an order regarding the new working mode of the High Court including all subordinate Courts, District Court, Tribunal Courts under the superintendence of the Meghalaya High Court. Due to the current situation, the courts cannot work normally and it makes citizens face difficulties to approach the court for legal remedies. Some of the interim orders that were not made until further orders may be expiring on 20th March 2020 or even thereafter being limited in nature. The High Court constituted a bench of two judges with a view of ensuring litigants should not suffer on account of their inability to approach the court and also not deprived of the benefits of the interim orders granted by the High Court or any other court comes under the same.

The Order

The order states that accordingly, in the exercise of the powers under Articles 226 and 227 of the constitution of India read with sections 482 and 483 of the Code of the Criminal Procedure, 1973, keeping in view the extraordinary situation which has arisen in this regard, it appropriate to undertake extraordinary measures by way of issuing certain directions in order to ensure smooth administration and justice and prevent any miscarriage of justice. And added all orders passed by the courts exercising criminal jurisdiction having granted bail or anticipatory bail parole etc for a limited period which is likely to expire on or before 30th April 2020 shall stand extended till 30th April 2020 subject to any orders passed by the said forums even before the said expiry date or thereafter to enable the respective courts to deal with any abuse of the orders of the concerned party.

The aforesaid directions may be subject to any orders to the contrary having been passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in any particular matter. The court published these orders on the 27th of March. They also clarified that in case the extension of the interim orders causes undue hardship of any extreme nature to any of the parties to such proceedings or a matter of extreme urgency being indicated by the State or its authorities, they would be at liberty to seek appropriate relief as may be advised.

Proposal of Meghalaya HC regarding New Mode of Working

The High Court of Meghalaya proposed human-friendly statements at the time of the pandemic. It is a better step for the efficiency of legal actions at this current scenario. The order of the High Court is giving a clear explanation and picture of each and every single matter in detail. The citizen can approach the two-judge bench as well on the emerging cases. This is how the judicial system of India is working for the justice of people still at the time of high emergency. As of now the High Court and the subordinate courts will open for normal working after April 30, 2020.

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