Abstract

The Virtual Court Act, 2020 (Act No. 11 of 2020) empowers the judiciary to use information technology in order to ensure virtual presence during trial, inquiry, hearing of application or appeal or taking of evidence or argument or order or judgment. Pursuant to section 5 of the Virtual Court Act, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh formulated Practice Directions both for lower judiciary and higher judiciary. This Act has been given overriding effect over other procedural laws. The Act specifically met the demand of the existing COVID-19 pandemic situation. No doubt it is a timely step. It is also a part of E-judicial system proposed by the stakeholders. Even in normal situation, the operation of this Act should be continued as and when required by the Courts.