Breach of Court's COVID-19 advisories by Judicial Officer/Staff to be treated as misconduct: Karnataka HC issues circular

The Karnataka High Court has issued a circular stating that if the failure to observe the instructions of advisories pertaining to COVID-19 by its officers would be treated as ‘misconduct’ which, in turn would attract penal action under the relevant court Rules..Referring to the notification issued by the Karnataka High Court concerning precautionary measures to guard against the spread of COVID-19, the circular issued on May 8 through Registrar Rajendra Badamikar reads, ."... the officers and officials of this office are hereby directed to strictly follow the Instructions/Advisory issued along with the office notification dated 21.04.2020 and any breach of the same would be treated as ‘misconduct’ which would attract action as per Rules."Karnataka High Court circular .Further, it was also stated that officers/officials who have been on leave since March 24, shall get themselves examined by the doctors in High Court Dispensary while reporting for duty for the first time after the Court reopens. .Decongestion of courts, limited functioning: Karnataka HC issues Revised Action Plan for subordinate courts during COVID-19 lockdown.Additionally, if necessary, such officers shall also undergo compulsory home quarantine for a period of 14 days, the circular adds..A circular in a similar vein has been issued for officials/officers in District Courts as well. .Currently, the Karnataka High Court is hearing cases of "extreme urgency" via video conference hearing. .[Breaking] Karnataka High Court resolves to cancel Summer Vacation to make up for working hours lost to COVID-19 Lockdown.Last month, through a notification, it was informed that the closure of the Karnataka High Court, district courts, and tribunals in the state has been extended to May 16 in view of the Coronavirus lockdown extension..[Coronavirus Lockdown] Closure of Karnataka High Court and lower courts/tribunals extended to May 16.[Read May 8 circular here]