"These Are Very Difficult Times": Justice MR Shah Tells That His Entire Staff Tested COVID19 Positive; Bench Now Proceeds With Hearing

Justice M. R. Shah on Thursday announced that his entire staff has tested positive for COVID.

The bench of Justices D. Y. Chandrachud and Shah was hearing the challenge to the constitutionality of West Bengal Housing Industry Regulation Act, 2017 (HIRA) against the backdrop of the Central legislation occupying the field- RERA.

As ASG Aishwarya Bhati was continuing her submissions, Justice Shah sought to adjourn the hearing for 10-15 minutes, saying that he has been intimated that his entire staff has tested COVID positive- "Can we take a break for 10-15 minutes? My entire virtual staff has tested positive..."

The bench reconvened shortly thereafter to tell the advocates that they shall re-assemble post the lunch-break at 2 PM.

At 2, when Justice Chandrachud appeared on the screen, ASG Bhati inquired about the well-being of the judges.

"Brother (Justice Shah) is just looking after the situation at home. Hopefully, things will settle down...Since this matter is a part-heard, we will continue with it. We will hear it today as we don't want to leave it for next week...but we will hear only this today, the rest of the board will not be taken up", informed Justice Chandrachud.

As Justice Shah also appeared, he apologised to the bar- "Sorry...By God's grace, I have no difficulty...let us continue with the matter"

"The COVID situation is out of control. I am also struggling with it at home. These are difficult times", said the ASG.

"These are very difficult times!", agreed Justice Shah.