Amid Lockdown , Bar Council Of Kerala Calls For Extension Of Court Vacation Or Suspension Of Regular Sitting In Kerala Courts

The Chairman of the Bar Council, Advocate Joseph John, in his representation has highlighted that the Advocate General's office is closed and that lawyers from various parts of the state practising before the High Court were unable to travel for hearings.

If sittings were to continue in this situation, lawyers and clerks would have to travel to their offices to access files for attending cases, amid the lockdowns and the triple lockdowns.

"It is pertinent to note that only essential services are functioning in the state. Ernakulam and other 3 districts in the state are under triple lockdown. The district boundaries, where triple lockdown is enforced, are closed and the authorities are seriously recommending against inter District travel as well as travel inside the districts."

The Council's letter points to the gravity of the pandemic and avers that it is increasing day by day.

Taking the stand that compelling lawyers and clerks to reach their offices would be against the social responsibility of judges and lawyers, the Council seeks either an extension of vacation or a suspension of sitting.

It may be noted that the Government had decided to extend the duration of lockdown till May 23, with a triple lockdown being declared in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Malappuram.

Kerala has been in lockdown from May 8 onwards, in view of the surge in Covid cases.