A bail application was heard in Darjeeling district and session court through video conference on Tuesday, providing a sneak peek into the new normal if the pandemic persists for long.

Lawyer Ajit Gurung applied for hearing of bail application of his clients Figu Tamang, Anup Tamang and Sachin Sherpa through video conference on April 16. Gurung learnt that Uttam Kumar Shaw, Darjeeling district and session judge, had issued an order stating that urgent matters could be field online and heard through video conference.

“I made an online application and the hearing was held today (Tuesday),” said Gurung.

Bibhas Chatterjee, district and session judge (in-charge), was at the Darjeeling court, while public prosecutor Pranay Rai and defence lawyer Gurung were at their respective homes. “This is the first time that a hearing has been held through video conference in the Darjeeling district court,” said Rai.

The hearing which was held using VIDYO mobile app started around 12.30pm and continued for half-an-hour.

Gurung’s clients are currently in judicial custody on charges of assaulting Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (Binay Tamang camp) leader Sanjay Thulung on March 15.

“Part hearing took place and since injury report was not available, the next hearing will take place on April 23,” said Ajit Gurung.

The district judge or other designated judges will decide on the urgency of the matter, which can also include civil cases.

A Darjeeling resident remarked: “Such hearing could be the new normal if the pandemic is not brought under control.”