The Karnataka High Court on Thursday issued a notice requesting all advocates to attend courts via video conference mode as much as possible owing to the surge of COVID-19 cases in the State. .The notice issued by Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka to this effect reads, "Learned members of the bar are requested to appear through video conference and avoid physical appearance in court, as far as possible, on account of increase in the number of covid-19 cases in the city.".Today, CJ Oka had orally urged all advocates to appear before the Court virtually."The present COVID-19 situation has gone back to June, July of 2020", he added..CJ Oka further remarked that during these days, there was a "phenomenal increase" in the number of affidavits and memos filed by parties. .As of now, the Karnataka High Court is functioning in a hybrid manner. Advocates have the option to appear either virtually or physically before the Court..Yesterday, a Division Bench headed by CJ Oka urged the State government and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to conduct surprise visits at residential areas, restaurants and other organisations to ensure that COVID-19 norms are being strictly followed. .A few days earlier, the Court had directed all Principal District and Sessions Judges to persuade judicial officers in the State who are 45 years of age or above, to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the earliest..Karnataka High Court directs Principal District and Sessions Judges to persuade eligible Judicial Officers to vaccinate against COVID-19.[Read notice here]
