HC admin advises lawyers to install Aarogya Setu app, use stairs

Vaibhav Ganjapure | TNN | May 5, 2020, 04:36 IST

Nagpur: After extension in lockdown till May 17, the Bombay High Court administration on Monday came out with a new set of directives for working of the lawyers, litigants and administrative staff across all courts during Covid-19 crisis.
Though most of the directives continued as per earlier circular of April 16, the HC administration has put all annual general transfers in abeyance till April next year across all its benches in Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad and Goa.
According to the new circular issued by HC registrar general SB Agrawal, all lawyers have been advised to install Aarogya Setu app on their mobile phones.
“At all entry points of the court complex, identity proofs of advocates and litigants would be checked. A register would be maintained and visitors’ details would be noted in it, after thorough verification. No person would be permitted to enter the courts’ premises without wearing a mask. Liquid soap and water would also be made available at the entrance along with sanitizers,” the circular said.
Agrawal also recommended all court administrations across state to earmark an isolation room on their premises in case any suspect with Covid-19 symptoms are found. “Anyone showing signs or symptoms after his apparent screening, shouldn’t be allowed to enter or remain in the court rooms,” it said.
The circular added, the young staff members, lawyers and litigants should be encouraged to to make use of stairs for their own safety, instead of lifts. “Necessary social distancing should be maintained during transaction of the business. Wherever there is a provision of lift, it should be ensured that not more than 50% of the capacity is allowed at a time. All are advised to follow strict social distancing while accessing any department of courts,” it said.
The circular said the court departments should endeavour to allot a time slot to address any query on the part of lawyers and litigants and adhere to it in consonance with the social distancing mechanism.