Suspension of physical delivery of documents in Courts during Covid- 19
In the wake of incessant rise of coronavirus cases in our National Capital Region, the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi has taken up, yet another commendable initiative, and suspended the physical delivery of all documents, notices, summons and daks and has notified that summons shall be served and documents shall be rather sent through e-mail, fax or the instant messenger, WhatsApp until further notice. The direction dated June 09, 2020[1], was in lieu of the order passed by the Hon’ble Chief Justice D.N. Patel dated June 03, 2020.
As per the direction, the process of sending such documents, summons, daks etc. in electronic mode will be carried on by the Despatch Branch/Process Serving Agency, in co-ordination with their respective judicial branches and IT Branch, from their seats only. Henceforth, the parties to a suit are now required share the necessary e-mail addresses and other details for e-communication, unless a specific order of the Court mandates physical delivery of such documents.
This is a welcome move in light of the daily spike as witnessed in Delhi, wherein it is expected by the Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia that the city might seek close to 5.5 lakh cases by the end of July, 2020[2].
[1] http://delhihighcourt.nic.in/writereaddata/Upload/PublicNotices/PublicNotice_DRMG217T7AG.PDF; accessed on June 15, 2020
[2] Delhi could reach 5.5 lakh cases, need 80,000 beds by end-July, says Manish Sisodia;
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/delhi-could-reach-5-5-lakh-cases-need-80000-beds-by-end-july-says-manish-sisodia/articleshow/76292580.cms; accessed on June 10, 2020
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