JUDGMENT

Prathiba M. Singh, J. - This hearing has been done through video conferencing.

2. The Petitioners in WP(C)2018/2021 are practising lawyers who are all Senior citizens. The prayer in the petition is that the Subordinate Courts and Quasi-Judicial bodies in Delhi ought to be directed to hold hybrid hearings, once physical courts are opened, as there are several counsels who suffer from co-morbidities and are unable to appear before the Court due to the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Petitioners also submit that adverse orders are being passed by the subordinate courts if the lawyers do not appear physically and therefore enormous prejudice is being caused. On 16th February 2021, a report was called for from the worthy Registrar General as to availability of infrastructure in the subordinate courts including availability of internet connectivity, both in the court premises and the residences of the judicial officers. A report has been submitted by the Registrar General. The report overall suggests that hybrid hearings are not fully possible in the district courts at this stage as there are several infrastructural issues.

3. In W.P.(C) 2673/2021, the Petition has been filed