Team Herald
PANJIM: Various lawyers’ associations in Goa have urged the Bombay High Court to revert its decision to cancel summer vacation and resume functioning of lockdown is lifted post-May 3.
In a letter to the Chief Justice and the Bombay High Court Goa bench, the association members stated they are surprised and shocked over the unilateral decision.
“We were taken aback by the sudden decision of the High Court, communicated by the circular dated April 21, 2020, to cancel the summer vacation in the event the lockdown is lifted by the Government. While we are aware and conscious that High Court has the powers of superintendence over all courts and the powers to take administrative decisions, we believe that the Bar and Bench are two sides of the same coin, are the two wheels of justice which are required to move in unison and therefore we express deep surprise and shock over unilateral decision taken to cancel the summer vacation without the consultation of the Bar in Goa over such an important subject matter and sensitive subject,” the letter states.
The associations said that the Bar and the respective heads of the associations were required to be taken into confidence before such a major decision was arrived at as such a decision has the telling effect on every advocate, their family members, the staff, their family members, the court staff, their family members and the litigants and their family members.
It also cited instances of practical difficulties and concerns upon resuming court work and opined that even after the lockdown is lifted it might not be practicable to open the courts for everyone immediately and thus avoid turning it into a hotspot.
“When recovery has not reached satisfactory levels, the Bar requests conduct of court proceedings only through video-conferencing and hear urgent matters only as done till date, till COVID-19 pandemic is over. All Subordinate Bar Associations and the Members of Bar have unanimously resolved to express their disagreement with the decision of the High Court to cancel summer vacations and open the court for regular work and are against putting in appearance in this pandemic time,” the letter further reads while urging the BHC to withdraw the circular and take them into confidence on decisions affecting or involving the Bar.
As per the circular, the HC and subordinate courts shall not avail summer vacation, if after May 3 and before June 7 lockdown is lifted.
