COVID 19 : Delhi HC To Hear On Monday Plea For Entry Restrictions In Court To Avoid Coronavirus Spread

In light of the outbreak of coronavirus, a plea has been moved in the Delhi High Court seeking restrictions on the entry of litigants in the court premises as a safety measure.

Highlighting the contagious nature of the virus, Advocate Rashmi Bansal, the petitioner has asked for restricting the entry only to those who are urgently or necessarily required with  respect to the cases listed before the court.

On mentioning, the Court has agreed to consider the matter on Monday, March 16.

It is pointed out by the Petitioner that while it's important to take precautionary measures to prevent the further reach of COVID-19, the court complexes can't be completely shut down due to the heavy workload.

Therefore, it is submitted, that the court can take the precautionary measure of restricting the entry of those persons who have nothing to do with the cases listed before the court.

'Only those should be allowed to enter the court premises as well as the chamber blocks, whose presence is urgent and necessary with respect to the court cases', the petition states.

The Petitioner also seeks reduction in court working hours in the light of corona scare.

Apart from the litigants who are necessarily required for the case, the petition also seeks exemption for those who come to court for official duties, from the no entry rule.

While citing the various measures taken by the Delhi Government as well as the Rashtrapati Bhawan in curbing entry into places such as cinema halls, schools, etc. the Petitioner has also asked the court to restrict its working hours.

In addition to this, the demand has been made for ensuring a prior medical checkup for those entering the court premises.