Team Herald
PANJIM: As courts across the country are also undertaking steps to prevent spread of Covid-19, the functioning of High Courts in Maharashtra and Goa are too restricting itself to hearing only urgent matters with effect from March 16.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The decision by Acting Chief Justice of Bombay High Court B P Dharmadhikari was taken on Saturday following advisories issued by Government of India.
“In view of the advisory issued by the Government of India and in view of the opinion of public health experts including medical professionals and also considering the safety and welfare of all the litigants, lawyers, staff members and the parties appearing in-person, security, maintenance and support staff, interns, the Hon’ble Acting Chief Justice is pleased to direct that the functioning of the Courts in High Court as well as its Benches functioning at Nagpur, Aurangabad and the High Court of Bombay at Goa presently for a week commencing from Monday, March16, 2020 shall be restricted to urgent matters,” the circular reads as.
The Advocates, litigants and parties in persons are asked to mention their matters showing the urgency before the concerned Courts and upon satisfaction about the urgency, the Court will hear these matters.
The High Court has also appealed to all the Bar Associations and the advocates that they shall endeavor to restrict the entry of the litigants in the Court and only in cases where the presence is unavoidable, one person may be called.
“Advocates and Party in person are requested to provide number and stage of matter on daily board which they want to be taken up urgently to the concerned Court Sheristedar/Associate prior to 11 am. Rest of the matters on Regular Board shall stand adjourned,” it further states.
