[COVID-19] Entry to Patna High Court restricted until July 15, listed cases to be heard virtually

The Patna High Court has notified that entry to the High Court would be restricted to "few authorised persons", with other persons, including members of the staff, being directed to work off-campus till July 15.

The development follows reports that some of security staff deployed on the Court campus had tested positive for COVID-19.

A Notice issued on July 12 by the High Court states that cases listed for the period of restricted entry will be heard via video conferencing. The Notice adds that the High Court premises will be sanitized during this period.

According to news reports, 18 security staff at the High Court tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday. Their samples were collected on Friday after a DSP in charge of security at the High Court was found infected with the virus.

The High Court's Notice of closure comes in the wake of similar directions by other High Courts across the country. Last week, the High Courts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir and Calcutta, issued notices of closure and/or suspension of proceedings.

The spate of notices underscores the devastation the pandemic has wreaked on the Indian legal system, with most courts working in a limited capacity during this period.

Read the Patna HC Notice here: