Delhi HC issues Advisory to District Courts to combat threat of COVID-19

While resolving to restrict its own functioning to urgent matters, the Delhi High Court has issued an Advisory for the District Courts in the city in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak..The High Court has asked all the District & Sessions Judges and Principal Judges, Family Court to take appropriate measures to regulate entry of litigants and general public in the court complex to avoid overcrowding..[Breaking] Coronavirus: Delhi High Court to restrict its functioning to urgent matters from March 16.The High Court has also called for installation of non-touch thermal scanners at the existing check points, maintenance of hygiene in courts and chambers as well as availability of sanitizers..The other instructions issued by the High Court are as follows:1. Courts should not insist on the presence of the parties unless it is unavoidable.2. The lawyers may advise their clients not to visit the court unless their presence is directed by the court.3. Till the situation persists, no adverse orders be passed in cases where parties are found to be absent.4. Adjournments be accommodated by courts.5. In criminal matters, requests for exemption of accused be considered favourably.6. In civil matters, wherever possible, the service of local commissioner be availed for the purpose of recording evidence.7. The facility of video conferencing be put to optimum use for the purpose of recording evidence, production of undertrials.8. Unnecessary crowding of lock-up be curtailed.9. In final argument matters, written submissions be called for and oral arguments be reduced.10. No election or any other event will be permitted till further orders.11. Mediation proccedings be carried on only in urgent cases..The Court has also directed for the constituion of a dedicated team comprising Senior Judicial Officers, Administartive Civil Juge and Senior Ministerial Staff in each District Court for taking stock of the situation on a day-to-day basis as well to take appropriate steps. .Read the Advisory: