HC Bench to restrict its functioning

24/03/2020, STAFF REPORTER,MADURAI

Following guidelines issued by the Madras High Court Chief Justice Amreshwar Pratap Sahi, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday notified that the court will restrict it’s functioning from March 24 for three weeks, in the wake of the spread of COVID-19.

The notification said that in view of the emergent situation which has arisen on account of COVID-19 pandemic, it has become imperative for the Madurai Bench to adopt the guidelines issued by the Chief Justice at the Principal seat for the restricted functioning of the Principal seat and the Madurai Bench.

As per the notification, changes have been made to the sitting arrangement. Now, a Division Bench of Justices P.N. Prakash and S.S. Sundar will hear urgent motions and admissions in writ petitions, writ appeals and habeas corpus petitions.

After the Division Bench sitting, Justice P.N. Prakash will hear urgent motions and admissions in criminal original petitions (under section 482 of Cr.PC). Justice S.S. Sundar will hear all single bench appellate side matters.

Justice G. Jayachandran will hear criminal original petitions - bail and anticipatory bail petitions. Justice M. Dhandapani will hear urgent motions and admissions in all single bench writ petitions. Advocates have been requested to limit filing of cases as far as possible as the court will take up only extremely urgent matters, the notification said.