In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health of citizens, the Supreme Court of Montenegro has introduced a special work regime of all Montenegrin courts. This special work regime of courts was introduced on 16 March 2019 and will probably last until 25 May 2020.
Courts in Montenegro have been operating on a special regime since mid-March meaning all proceedings before courts are stayed, hearings postponed, and suspension of administrative staff office work. This rule does not apply only to cases designated by law as urgent unless there is a large number of participants in the proceedings. Deliberation work in cases before the Supreme court of Montenegro, Appellate court of Montenegro, Commercial court of Montenegro, Administrative court of Montenegro, and high courts are unaffected by these measures.
On 23 April 2020, The Supreme Court of Montenegro presented a plan to slowly return to the usual working mode, stating that:
- All courts are to continue their regular work in all proceedings starting from 25 May 2020;
- Suspension of administrative staff office work will remain in force until further notice (courts will continue to receive submissions sent by post or by e-mail);
- The physical distance at the court’s premises of at least two meters between persons must be maintained.
