Delhi High Court Issues Notice In Plea Concerning Establishment Of Covid Care Facilities For Judicial Officers

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notice in a plea concerning establishment of covid care centres and facilities for Judicial officers in the national capital. The Court also directed the District Judges to coordinate with District Magistrates to address the judicial concerns of the judicial officers and their family members.

A division bench comprising of Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rekha Palli issued notice in the petition filed by a bunch of lawyers, stating that during the covid 19 pandemic, a large number of judicial officers and their family members were infected to the coronavirus infection while serving their duties and that due to the nature of their work, the risk to their lives is extremely high.

During the course of hearing, Senior Advocate Sanjoy Ghose submitted before the Court that covid facilities are important as "judicial officers are assets" and that some assistance should be given to such officers.

Highlighting that nodal officers have been appointed in various district courts, Ghose however stressed that some of the nodal officers were facing difficulties in getting beds in hospital nearby district courts.

Suggesting the Court to consider making covid facilities for such judicial officers and their families, Ghose submitted that a centre be made in residential colonies.

"We only seek this to ensure no judicial officer don't become a martyr to covid. The issue of vaccination is already before Supreme Court. Judges are bound by code of dignity and honour & won't come forward." Ghose submitted.

While issuing notice in the plea, the Court ordered thus:

"Petitioners have suggested that District Judges be asked to coordinate to DM. Mr Tripathi has said that they are ready & willing to provide whatever assistance is required. Let District Judges coordinate with DMs to address judicial concerns of judicial officers & families. This may be communicated to all District Judges and District Magistrates for compliance. Suitable places for covid care centres be identified."

With the aforesaid observations, the Court listed the matter after one week for reporting and compliance.

Edited By Nupur Thapliyal