Goa: Courts to function in 2 shifts from June 8

PANAJI: The Bombay high court on Wednesday has approved a standard operating procedure with guidelines for the functioning of subordinate courts in Goa from June 8. The courts will function in two shifts with 50% presence of judicial officers and staff in each shift.
The administrative committee, after taking into account the situation prevalent due to the spread of Covid-19 and the suggestions received from the district judges, issued the rules and regulations for functioning of the courts with a direction to follow social distancing norms.
The guidelines state that judicial officers may, if the situation demands, use face shield as well transparent acrylic sheets partitioning the dais from the addressee.
The communication states that any violation of the norms may entail the closure of such court by the high court, till further order.
The committee has also mentioned that it would be desirable that during the first week, not more than 15 matters are placed on board in every court in each shift. The cases listed on board should be kept moderate in numbers and is to be decided by the concerned presiding officer.
It is also made clear that when any particular taluka is declared as containment zone or any other restrictions are imposed impending physical functioning of the court, then instructions should be taken from the administrative committee for further course of action.
The committee has asked the principal district and sessions judge to place a mechanism in form of a token system giving a particular time slot for filing of cases. The location of filing of cases may be earmarked on the ground floor near the entry gate.