Virtual Functions: Lower courts to also deal with civil cases

Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain yesterday asked the lower courts concerned to deal with the civil cases along with criminal cases through virtual system using information and communication technology in order to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

The chief justice took the decision after discussing with senior judges of the Supreme Court, according a circular issued by the Supreme Court administration.

SC Registrar Md Ali Akbar signed the circular saying that the civil cases and appeals will have to be filed with the offices concerned, keeping physical distance and strictly following the health guidelines.

The subordinate courts concerned will fix necessary process for filing the cases and appeals and issue the summons, the SC notification said.

The virtual court functions started on May 11 after a gap of 46 days in order to deal with the urgent criminal cases particularly the bail petitions.

The regular activities of courts remained closed since March 26 due to ongoing coronavirus outbreak.