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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HONOURABLE JUDGES
(FULL COURT) HELD ON THURSDAY, 30th DAY OF APRIL,

2020 AT 11.00 A.M. THROUGH VIDEO-CONFERENCING.

Present :
THE HON’BLE CHIEF JUSTICE
AND ALL THE HON’BLE JUDGES
AT THE PRINCIPAL BENCH

AND THE MADURAI BENCH

Agenda No.1 The impending COVID-19 Pandemic crisis that continues in
the State of Tamil Nadu with the lockdown already
announced, there may be a likelihood of the situation either
escalating or remaining the same as projected by media health
reports and reports from other sources. While observing social
distancing norms and prohibition of physical movements in
order to avoid contacts and congregation, it may not be
possible to function on a regular normal basis in full capacity
by reopening the High Court. The system of video-
conferencing has to be adhered to with the minimum of staff
and personnel in the High Court or the Subordinate Courts for
handling the situation and therefore it is necessary to once
again revisit our earlier decision for the normal functioning of
the High Court and Subordinate Courts during the period
assigned for the Summer Vacations.
The changed circumstances therefore call for a fresh
discussion and decision with regard to the earlier resolution of
the Full Court, by circulation, dated 16th of April, 2020.
The letter addressed to the Hon’ble Chief Justice by the Bar
Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Tamil Nadu
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Officers are equipped with the necessary hardware and software
for their functioning. The filing system being switched over to
e-filing is being successfully implemented in respect of bail
matters.

However, decision in relation to any future adoption of the
process on a general wider scale after the lifting of the lockdown
stands deferred subject to the directions issued by the Hon’ble e-
Committee of the Supreme Court and the decisions of the High
Court in this regard.

ANY OTHER MATTER WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE CHAIR:

Some of the Hon’ble Judges raised the issue relating to the
Annual General Transfer of the Judicial Officers. In view of the
extraordinary situation having arisen due to the impending
Corona Virus and lockdown, it is unanimously resolved to put in
abeyance the annual general transfers of all the Judicial Officers
for a period of one year, subject to any exceptional cases and
vacancies required to be filled in, that may be given effect to with
the approval of the Chief Justice.
[5/1, 16:46] Sekarreporter: The resolution of the Full Court dated
16.4.2020 (by circulation) for regular
functioning in the month of May, 2020 would
stand modified to the effect that instead of the
regular functioning of Courts, the High Court at
Principal Seat shall function through video-
conferencing only with the Hon’ble Judges from
their residences. This staggered functioning be
conducted with the strength of Two Division
Benches and Ten Single Judges.