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The Bombay High Court on Tuesday extended the life of all interim orders passed in Maharashtra and other subordinate courts till Sep 30 i.e. for another one month.

The full bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Dutta and Justice(s) AA Sayed, SS Shinde and PB Varale passed the order today in a suo motu writ petition seeking extension of protection to those who are unable to access justice because of the restricted functioning of the courts effected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We propose to extend these protective orders till September 30. We will sit again on September 24 to review the situation. Till then, the authorities are at liberty to move regular bench of the HC to seek appropriate relief,” observed Bench

The suo motu petition (PIL 1 of 2021) pertained to matters in which interim orders were passed by the High Court and all subordinate courts falling within its jurisdiction in Maharashtra, Goa and the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu.

“Mr Rahul Pandit (member of the Supreme Court appointed Task Force) submits India won't be able to get rid of this virus at least till April 2022 Considering the uncertainty and the ensuing festive season, a threat to human kind etc, we are of the opinion if the protective interim orders are protected till end of this month” – Observed the Bench.

The bench also pointed out at photos in the media that showed huge crowds at Juhu Chowpatty last Sunday and stated that,

“Unless the State government controls the crowd especially on weekends there won't be any progress. Consider strict restrictions on weekends.”

The Attorney General ensured the bench that the restrictions would be imposed properly.

The bench further directed that, “Mr AG please control the crowds at various public places. Otherwise all this won't be of any use. We have decided to keep four days Physical hearing and one day virtual. But by October, we want at least 10 days physical hearing, thus control crowd.”

The full bench had previously directed that interim orders passed by itself as well as subordinate courts and tribunals that fall under its jurisdiction shall stand extended August 30^th , 2021.

The matter will be heard next on Sept 24, 2021, to review the situation.