During lockdowns and self-isolation periods, citizens were deprived from their right to access justice through the countries' judicial system.
"No new cases got registered in the beginning phases of the pandemic, it was only when the situation was in control, and the number of cases significantly decreased, the service to register cases reopened. The only hearings that did happen at that time were related to people who were imprisoned." says Justice K.C.
In the second wave though, the situation was different, cases did get registered, but with the absence of the parties concerned, Justices, legal practitioners and the concerned staff the proceedings of the court could not take place.
The Supreme Court of Nepal, exercises appellate jurisdiction over the decisions of the seven high courts of Nepal.
Recently, the Supreme Court has begun all in- person court activities. “We have resumed all services and hearings take place according to the daily schedule of the court" says Justice K.C.
However, with cases stacked up due to absolutely no hearing executed in the times of lockdowns and other limits on movements and gatherings, the court will not be able to give verdicts in time.
Ample amount of previously registered cases add up to the freshly registered cases the court has on its account. "Many of the cases are being disposed of in the recent days, as the countries' COVID situation has come under control." says Justice K.C.
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