HC Madurai bench restricts functioning

TNN | Mar 25, 2020, 04.45 AM IST

Madurai: The Madurai bench of the Madras high court has begun restricting its functioning from Tuesday for three weeks as per guidelines issued by the Madras high court Chief Justice A P Sahi, in an attempt to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

A notification issued by the registrar (judicial), said that in view of the emergent situation which has arisen on account of Covid-19 pandemic, it has become imperative to adopt the guidelines issued by the Chief Justice at the principal seat, with slight modifications, for the restricted functioning of the Madurai bench. The lawyers are requested not to operate from their chambers and they are requested not to invite the litigants inside unless it is absolutely imperative either for their personal presence that may be required on orders of the court or for such personal verification as per the directions of the registry. Lawyers are requested to limit filing of cases as far as possible except only in extremely urgent matters. As per the notification, changes have been made to the sitting arrangement in Madurai bench as follows.

A division bench of justice P N Prakash and justice 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) and 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.tnn