Wednesdays have been declared court holidays until further notice in view of the prevailing fuel rationing situation in the country, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) said.
BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya said the decision follows instructions issued by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to address practical difficulties faced by those required to attend court proceedings.
In a circular issued on March 16, the JSC noted that the recent introduction of fuel rationing for vehicles could affect the ability of individuals travelling from distant areas to attend court.
The Commission said such individuals include attorneys-at-law, litigants, accused persons, suspects, parties and witnesses required to appear in court.
Accordingly, judges have been instructed to assess situations on a case-by-case basis and consider the prevailing circumstances before making adverse orders in matters.
The JSC has also encouraged the use of online or virtual platforms wherever feasible, particularly in instances where courts are required to extend remand periods of those in remand prisons, in order to reduce fuel consumption.
The instructions will remain in effect until further notice. (Newswire)
