District judiciary to start hearing all cases from 20th: LHC

LAHORE:The Lahore High Court Friday decided that the district judiciary in Punjab will start entertaining institution of all cases from April 20, which was previously limited to urgent nature cases only due to the coronavirus lockdown.

In a directive issued to all district and sessions judges in the province, the High Court said the working strength of judicial officers may be increased keeping in view the burden of work and any judicial officer could be called back on duty. It said female judges may also be called back on duty if the relevant sessions judges felt necessary. Previously, the LHC had exempted all female judicial officers from performing their duties in view of the precautionary measures taken to control the spread of the novel virus. The directive required the judges to ensure that no more than six lawyers shall be present in courtrooms to observe the distancing policy. The LHC also extended till April 20 a relaxation in terms of limitation in filing of certain petitions. Initially, the relaxation was announced from March 24 to April 7.

A fresh notification issued by the LHC registrar said the institution branches of court, at principal seat as well as at its branches, district courts and all other legal forums under the control and subordination of LHC, shall now be deemed to be closed from March 24 to April 20, 2020.