"We've already lost three:" Delhi High Court asks Delhi government to consider declaring judicial officers as frontline workers

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the State government to consider whether judicial officers presiding over lower courts can be declared as frontline workers, lamenting that Delhi judiciary has already lost three judicial officers to COVID-19 pandemic. .A Division Bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh said that in its prima facie opinion, judicial officers can be considered frontline workers since they facilitate wheels of justice amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Court gave an opportunity to the Delhi government to apply its mind to the issue. "A lot of judges out of necessity have to come to court or go to jails... To say they should not be prioritised or recognised as essential.. they say they don't want preferential treatment. But why not? Not because they are judges but because of the work.. That's the way we look at it. We've already lost three.".The Court said that if the government is satisfied that judicial officers are discharging frontline duties, they can be provided facilities and benefits extended to such workers. ."You should take steps for good reason. We don't have to thrust..If administration is satisfied that judicial officers are discharging frontline duties, you can record in your order and provide facilities", the Court told Delhi government. .Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra also opined that the judicial officers should be declared as frontline workers. "I think time has come that the Court declares that judicial officers.. be it High Court, Supreme Court or the lower.. each one should be declared as frontline person assisting in the administration of justice.".The Court, however, clarified that it was only concerned with the judicial officers in the district level judiciary and not the High Court, Supreme Court judges. "We hold constitutional position. We are under different protocol.. The same can't be said about district judiciary and their exposure is also different.".The Court was hearing a plea moved by the Delhi Judicial Officers Association raising concerns with respect to the health facilities at their disposal. .Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan, appearing for the association, stated that in spite of the court's order, facilities on the ground for judicial officers have been "an eye wash"..He, thus, prayed for district-wise attachment of hospitals for judicial officers as well as the appointment of a centralised nodal officer to assist those seeking any help. .Following Mehra's submission that a representation by the association be placed before the Delhi government, the Court directed the representation be considered by the Delhi government's Chief Secretary and an online meeting with the officers be also held. .As the Delhi government counsel, Advocate Santosh Tripathi argued that the facilities had been put in place in terms of the court's order, the Court responded that it was "very difficult" for bureaucracy and political leaders to accept failure and inability. "It is not in their veins.", the Court remarked. .During the course of the hearing, Mehra also stressed the need for vaccination of all judicial officers, staff and their families on an emergent basis. .Considering that there was now availability of beds in the city, the Court also turned down a suggestion to open a separate medical facility for judicial officers. .The Court has sought a status report from the Delhi government. The matter would be heard next on May 26. .Read the full account here:.Delhi High Court hears petitions on issues arising out of COVID-19 in Delhi [LIVE UPDATES]