COVID-19 lockdown extension to delay crucial hearings in SC, Delhi HC & other courts
COVID-19 lockdown extension to delay crucial hearings in SC, Delhi HC & other courts
The apex court has already restricted its functioning due to the lockdown and is presently hearing cases of only urgent nature through video conferencing. The extension of nationwide lockdown till May 3 to contain coronavirus would delay important hearings in the Supreme Court, including pleas against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, abrogation of provisions of Article 370 and issues pertaining to scope of freedom of religion as also judicial scrutiny into “essential religious practices” of separate religious denominations. The apex court has already restricted its functioning due to the lockdown and is presently hearing cases of only urgent nature through video conferencing. It was all set to commence hearing on the Sabrimala reference case, related to the scope of freedom of religion, on the re-opening of the court after the Holi break.