Interim protection for virtual trial attendance continued, with arrest restraint maintained until courts resume normal functioning.

Interim protection was continued to allow the petitioner to attend trial court proceedings virtually during lockdown-related restrictions, and the Court directed that the petitioner not be arrested for the present. The arrangement was treated as temporary, with physical attendance to follow once courts resume normal functioning. The Court also noted the earlier protection granted and the challenge arising from refusal of virtual appearance before the trial court, while issuing notice for further consideration.

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Issues: Whether interim protection should continue to enable the petitioner to attend the trial court proceedings virtually and remain protected from arrest pending further consideration.

Analysis: The Court took note of the prevailing lockdown-related restrictions and the earlier protection granted to the petitioner. It also considered the refusal of virtual appearance before the trial court and the subsequent challenge to that course. In the meantime, it directed that the petitioner should not be arrested and may continue to attend the trial court proceedings virtually for the present, with physical attendance to follow when courts resume normal physical functioning.

Outcome: Interim protection was granted in favour of the petitioner, and notice was issued for further consideration.

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