Court to resume sessions with COVID-19 safety measures: SJC

The Supreme Judiciary Council (SJC) announced yesterday the gradual resumption of litigation sessions while continuing to implement all preventive measures and provide a safe environment for litigants in accordance with established health regulations and requirements.

This step is in line with the decisions of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management to gradually lift the restrictions imposed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and within the efforts to preserve the interests of litigants in achieving justice.

On Sunday, judicial announcements were sent to those concerned to attend the sessions on the specified dates. Attendance in these sessions is limited to lawyers and litigants.

In this regard, everyone attending the sessions will be obligated to show the green healthy status on Ehtiraz app installed on mobile phones. Medical masks are a must and everyone inside should keep a safe distance. The maximum number of people in the meeting and waiting rooms will also be determined.

It added that priority will be given to issuing verdicts and urgent cases, and sessions will be held alternately and at different times between one session and another, in addition to holding evening sessions.

SJC will provide new services through the electronic court program (Al Mahakem), in addition to activating electronic technologies and a remote video communication system in cases legally established. The proportions of employees in the workplaces will be taken into account and the necessary logistical services will be provided to the courts and litigants to facilitate procedures, while continuing daily sterilization of court headquarters, courtrooms and waiting rooms.