HC to have only 2 div benches, 5 single benches

Registrar General C Kumarappan in a circular said “Two division benches and five single benches (three on the criminal side and two on the civil side), would deal with all urgent fresh criminal and civil matters. The constitution of the benches and its jurisdiction would be indicated in the cause list separately.”

Lawyers were directed to not operate from their chambers and not to invite the litigants inside the campus unless it is necessary. The arrangement shall continue for three weeks.

The circular has also asked the Administrative Judge, Madurai bench to plan separately subject to local needs. In a separate circular, sub-ordinate courts were directed to take appropriate steps and confine the functioning of the courts concerning extremely urgent matters.

The Principal Judge, City Civil Court, Madras, The Chief Judge, Puducherry and all Principal District Judges in the state are intimated that courts may grant general adjournments for three weeks unless there is an extremely urgent matter to be taken upon the request of counsel, subject to the discretion of the court.

On Monday, Tamil Nadu Advocates Association president S Prabakaran in a letter requested the Chief Justice of Madras High Court AP Sahi to close the courts due to COVID-19 outbreak.

The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) is set to shut down till April 6 due to coronavirus threat in the state.The Commission’s Acting Chairperson D Jayachandran in a circular said, “As per the recommendations from the state and Union governments, we would not hear the cases till April 6. During the said period, SHRC can hear urgent cases under their discretion. Further, lawyers and petitioners should avoid visiting the Commission.” The Commission has also asked the people to file a complaint through registered post and the office of the SHRC would function as usual.