BSS :
All kinds of judicial proceedings except testimony will be held in lower courts across the country from today (August 8) in specified ways, said a statement of the Supreme Court.
A notification signed by the Registrar General of the Supreme Court Mohammad Ali Akbar in this regard has been issued.
The notification stated that as per the unanimous decision of the full court meeting held with the participation of judges of both the divisions of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, the proceedings of the lower civil and criminal courts, and tribunals will be held from 8- 12 August without physical presence.
It also stated that, “All types of hearings (except taking evidence) including all types of civil and criminal applications / appeals / miscellaneous cases will be taken and disposed of by the court following the notification of the ‘Information Technology Use Act 2020’ and so on.”
The statement further said that cases related to succession and guardianship can be filed, heard and disposed of in the lower civil court and complaints can be filed in criminal courts and tribunals in physical presence while maintaining social and physical distance in compliance with the hygiene rules.
The notice stated “Individuals/persons accused in criminal cases may file surrender applications in physical presence in the lower criminal courts and tribunals,” saying that the procedure and schedule of the hearing should be determined and coordinated in such a way that no public gathering takes place in the court premises and court building.
For the purpose of bail hearing in the lower court and tribunal, and for the appearance of the courts taking cognizance, the detainee must not be present at the courtroom, it added.
Magistrates’ can hold remand hearing virtually with the detainees in jail, in collaboration with the jail authorities, it said.
It also stated that, each Chief Judicial Magistrate / Chief Metropolitan Magistrate and one or more Magistrates shall perform their duties in physical presence following proper hygiene rules.
Judicial proceedings in the lower courts have been closed since July 23 due to strict lockdown in the country.
Proceedings of the lower courts are starting from tomorrow following the notification of the Supreme Court.
