Video-conferencing rooms for lawyers

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 23

Having criticised virtual court hearings, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has set up four "well-equipped" video-conferencing rooms for Supreme Court and Delhi High Court advocates to enable them to effectively take part in such proceedings.

To be available for lawyers at the BCI office in the capital free of cost on a first come, first served basis, the facility would be operational from May 26, BCI said.

Advocates would have to book the room for their desired time slot by sending an email on the prescribed ID, it said.

These rooms are fully equipped with computers, WiFi connection and support staff to help them to use the facility. The rooms will be open between 10 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday.

Lawyers using the facility will have to wear N95 masks and adhere to safe distancing norms and not more than two of them will be allowed to enter the BCI premises for a particular hearing, it added.

As court's function via video-conferencing during Covid-19 crisis, the BCI had earlier this week complained that litigants were unable to get justice through virtual courts.