Cases

The Supreme Court on January 10, restored its previous order to extend the limitation period till February 28 for filing cases before judicial and quasi-judicial fora in view of the alarming surge of COVID-19 cases. The order said that the relaxation has been given in view of arguments advanced by learned counsel, and impact of the surge of the virus on public-health. Notably, Attorney KK Venugopal supported the plea.

In Karnataka 8,449 new COVID-19 cases and four deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours, informed the health department on January 7. The cumulative case tally with new cases in the state mounted to 30,31,052, of which 30,113 are active cases. So far, 38,362 people have died, and 29,62,548 recovered. Reportedly, the positivity rate stands at 4.15%. 

In a move to co-shoulder the burden of 5 lakh pending cases, the Supreme Court has decided to rope in retired judges to the High Courts. Utilising the never-used constitutional provision under Article 224A, CJI SA Bobde-led bench asked the High Courts to frame SOPs in this regard. Notably, amid the HC judges vacancy touching 40% of the strength, the apex court also asked the Centre to clear the 45 names suggested for HC judges.