Prayagraj: Keeping in view the alarming situation of Covid-19 pandemic, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Allahabad bench, including its circuit bench at Nainital, will remain closed and its building here will remain sealed till April 18.
Passing the above directive, head of the department (HoD) of CAT, Allahabad Bench, Justice Vijay Lakshmi said that after this period, the situation would be reviewed and further decisions would be taken accordingly, after consultation with office-bearers of CAT Bar Association.
While taking this unprecedented decision, the HoD further said, “All of us are aware that the cases of Covid-19 are rising day by day and have already reached an alarming situation. Several lawyers have passed away in the last few days only due to Covid. More so, some employees of CAT have also been tested positive recently.”
Earlier, at one stage, the CAT Bar Association, Allahabad, after an emergent meeting, under the presidentship of its president Anil Kumar Singh, had sent a proposal on Friday to close the CA, at least for one week.
According to vice-president of CAT Bar, Jitendra Nayak, the proposal of CAT Bar Association was immediately forwarded by the HoD here to the Chairman, Principal Bench, Delhi, seeking suitable directions.
Acting upon it, the chairman had directed that let the HoD take the decision, after discussing the matter with the CAT Bar here.
In view of the above and after a discussion with members and office- bearers of CAT Bar Association, it was resolved unanimously that the CAT here and its circuit Bench at Nainital will remain closed till April 18.
“The caretaker will ensure proper sanitisation of the CAT campus here before its sealing,” the order of HOD added.