MP HC issues circular to expand matters to be heard in interim bail period

Subordinate Courts to conduct hearing of less urgent matter as well, says MP HC; interim bail period also extended by 45 days.

A circular has been issued by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, to expand the Scope of matters to be heard by the lower courts in the state. They are required to take up cases of urgent matters as well as matters at disposal stage and/or matters which do not require an oral evidence. 

They have modified the earlier order which was restricting the functioning of the court as it only allowed extremely urgent matters. Now, they have included cases that are at the stage of disposal, final hearing, remands and bails, criminal revisions, civil appeals etc. which do not require oral evidence.

However, they have ordered to follow the social distancing norms and the take necessary precautions. They have instructed to only call 1/3rd or 1/4th of the total staff to avoid rush. Along with this the District and Sessions Judges are asked to submit weekly reports of their functioning.

The High Committee has also decided to extend the interim bail period of those who were released to reduce the population of the prison, for 45 more days.