As the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi AQI over severe to hazardous mark, the Supreme Court registry on Sunday issued a circular advising lawyers and litigants to avail the video conference (VC) mode of hearing, if convenient, in view of the prevailing weather conditions.

The circular dated December 14 said that advocates and litigants may appear through VC in matters listed before the Supreme Court.

The advisory was issued under the directions of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and is aimed at ensuring the smooth and safe conduct of court proceedings without causing inconvenience to lawyers, litigants, or other stakeholders.

The registry has requested lawyers and parties in person to make appropriate use of the hybrid or video conferencing facility in their respective cases, while complying with all technical and procedural requirements prescribed for virtual hearings.

The advisory has also been circulated to the Supreme Court Bar Association, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association and other authorities.