New Delhi, March 16 (IANS): The Delhi High Court on Monday issued dates in most of the matters in the advance list in wake of the coronavirus outbreak to avoid overcrowding and gathering in the court.

The high court has limited its functionality after the Delhi government announced closure of public places.

The high court asked the District Court of Delhi to make optimum use of the video conferencing. The accused can be produced through video conferencing instead of the physical appearance.

The court has also asked the subordinate courts to prefer written submissions over oral arguments, advisory stated. Delhi Chief Justice D.N. Patel and others judges held an urgent meeting on Friday and issued an advisory to all district courts of Delhi.

It also suggested the district courts that "Thermal Scanner (non-touch) may be procured at the earliest, handlers be trained and they be put to use at the existing check points".

It further added that "In criminal matters, the request for exemption from personal appearance of the accused, be considered favourably. In civil matters wherever possible, service of Local Commissioner be availed of for the purposes of recording of evidence, after obtaining the consent of both the parties.

The facility of video conferencing be put to optimum use for the purposes of recording of evidence, Instead of physical production of undertrial prisoners (UTPs) from jails, facility of video conferencing be opted.A

Unnecessary crowding in the Lock up be curtailed and appropriate steps in this regard be taken by all the District and

Sessions Judges in consultation with the prison authorities.