Judicial Service Commission directs courts to use online hearings for remand extensions amid fuel rationing

Colombo, March 16 (Daily Mirror) - The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has issued a circular instructing judges to make use of online or virtual platforms wherever feasible, particularly when extending the remand periods of prisoners, in order to help reduce fuel consumption in the country.

The circular, which applies to all High Court judges, Judicial Officers and Presidents of Labour Tribunals, provides guidance on the functioning of courts in light of the prevailing fuel rationing introduced by the Government.

According to the JSC, under normal circumstances, judges are required to hear cases scheduled before their respective courts. However, the Commission noted that the present situation requires courts to take into consideration the practical difficulties caused by the limited availability of fuel before making adverse decisions in matters where such circumstances arise.

The JSC observed that the Government has recently introduced rationing of fuel distribution for vehicles across the country, creating an abnormal situation that may affect the functioning of courts. The circular noted that such restrictions could significantly impact the ability of many individuals to travel to court from distant areas. Those affected may include Attorneys-at-Law, litigants, accused persons, suspects, parties to cases and witnesses who are required to attend court proceedings.

In view of these circumstances, judges have been advised to assess the situation on a case-by-case basis when matters are taken up before court and to take into account the challenges posed by the restricted fuel distribution.