COVID-19: SC Registry To De-Congest Section Rooms; Provide 3 Days Off To Court Staff In Two Batches [Read Notice]

"In the wake of recent outbreak of Coronavirus and Flu and as a precautionary measure to prevent any infection to spread, the Competent Authority has directed the Registry to de-congest its Sections/Rooms and allow 3 days' Off Duty in two batches to the staff working in the Registry, the first batch commencing from March 19-21, 2020 and the second batch from March 23-25, 2020," a notice issued in this behalf by the Secretary General of the Supreme Court read.

The notice however clarifies that the staff will be required to compensate for these holidays in the following manner:

"The said 3 days' Off Duty may be set off against the equivalent period out of 2 weeks Off Duty during Summer Vacation and the staff may be required to work for 3 days in either of the two weeks of Off Duty during Summer Vacation. However, in cases where Off Duty during Summer vacation is not admissible, they will be allowed 3 days' leave of the kind due and admissible to them."

To put the order into effect, the Branch Officers/Controlling Officers of the Court have been directed to create two batches with at least 50% of staff on duty, in accordance with the work-requirement.

The notice specifies,

"The Branch Officers/Controlling Officers are required to draw two batches of staff for grant of 3 days "Off Duty" in first and second batch having regard to exigencies of work and to ensure that atleast 50% of staff is available on duty so that there is not dislocation of official work. While availing 3 days' Off Duty, the staff shall not leave the headquarters without prior permission in writing. The proposals for 3 days' Off Duty shall be submitted through Learned Registrar concerned as to reach the Branch Officer, Admn.II Section in advance for further action."

Last Friday, in a bid to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, the SC had restricted its functioning to hear urgent matters only.

Read Notice