Delhi High Court Allows Delhi Bar Council's Plea For Setting Up Covid Facilities For Lawyers, Families

The Delhi High Court on Monday allowed a Public Interest Litigation filed by the Bar Council of Delhi seeking setting up of covid facilities for registered lawyers and their family members. 

The High Court directed Rockland Hospital, New Delhi to hand over its keys to the counsel appearing for the petitioner for the purpose of examination, sanitization, cleaning and making the aforesaid facility operational.

A division bench comprising of Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rekha Palli was hearing the plea filed by Manoj Kumar Singh, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Bar Council of Delhi suggesting that Rockland Hotel, situated at Dwarka, New Delhi may be tied up with a hospital and the same may be used as Covid Health Facility for the Advocates and their family members.

During the course of hearing, Senior Advocate Ramesh Gupta appearing for the petitioner apprised the Court that the Rockland Hospital was lying vacant and that the same can be used for the purpose of setting up covid facility.

Advocate Saom appearing for the Rockland Hospital submitted before the Court that the management is willing to handover keys. 

"We have 77 beds with 6 ventilators and empty cylinders. If that is converted to a facility today, it'd save so many lives." He suggested.

In view of the assurance given by Rahul Mehra appearing for GNCTD that administration will co-operate in the aforesaid exercise, the Court directed thus:

"Mr Mehra assures administration will co-operate. Let keys be handed over to Mr Gupta. Bar council to have keys taken and examine, facility to be made operational."

According to a press release issued in this regard, the Bar Council of Delhi has agreed to bear the costs of treatment for the Advocates and family members and arrange for doctors, nurses, medicines and ambulances. 

Edited by Nupur Thapliyal