Even if one person gets COVID-19, it is not good, said Justice DN Patel, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court today as a lawyer urged him to consider re-starting physical hearing. .The request was made soon after a Division Bench headed by the Chief Justice finished the virtual hearing in a PIL concerning the seismic stability of buildings in Delhi. .Chief Justice Patel assured that the situation was being monitored. ."Please have some patience.", he added. .During the conversation, Chief Justice Patel remarked, ."It does not look good that courts are to be shut again after opening (because of COVID-19 cases).".He stated that representatives from the Bar are consulted on the issue on a regular basis and said,.There is a committee. It is not a one-man show. There are lawyers. We sit every week..Delhi HC constitutes Committee for a ‘Graded Action-Plan’ to restore normal functioning of courts after the lockdown is lifted.Expressing his concern with respect to the consequences of COVID-19, especially for advocates who fall in the high-risk category due to their age and ailments, Chief Justice Patel said, ."Not everyone has the priority of spending Rs 5 lakh.. It is not that they cannot afford it.".Chief Justice Patel assured that the arrangement was for the benefit of all and that the situation was being monitored constantly. ."More than us, you will be in contact with people and more than you, your clerks.", he said. .Since March 16, the functioning of the High Court and its subordinate courts has been restricted due to COVID-19. .High Court has nonetheless been hearing urgent matters through virtual mode. .[COVID-19] Physical functioning of Delhi High Court and subordinate courts suspended till July 31.As per the latest Officer Order, the physical functioning is suspended till July 31.
