SCBA requests lawyers to stop going to court amid rising Covid-19 cases

Supreme Court. File Pic

Amid rising Covid-19 cases, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has urged its members (lawyers) to stop going to court after at least 150 registry officials and staff members of the apex court have tested positive for coronavirus.

Although lawyers aren't barred from entering into high-security zone of court using proximity card, it is advisable that members shouldn't enter the premises unless it is necessary. As of now, no official circular or instruction from the court has been issued.

"They have not issued any such circular as of now and therefore entry through Proximity Card will continue. I (Secretary of SCBA) have assured that we will be self-regulating and will take all the necessary precautionary measures to avoid the spread of the Covid-19 virus," reported Bar and Bench.

However, as we all know that more than 150 staff of the Supreme Court registry have been found Covid-19 positive, I earnestly request all of you to avoid entering the high-security zone until (sic) very urgent as it may lead to stricter measures. It has been assured that the calls would be attended by the staff of the registry so that no inconvenience is caused to our members," the message added.

Supreme Court will function via virtual mode from January 10 and four judges have already been infected with Covid-19. And only extremely urgent matters will be heard from tomorrow onwards. Various high courts across the country are also functioning via virtual mode keeping in mind the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.