Of response to the spike in COVID-19 cases in Assam, the Gauhati High Court (HC) began operating in virtual mode with a staggered roster on Thursday, according to an official order.
It went on to say that access to the courthouse was limited to only those who needed to be there and who were properly vaccinated.
Decision by Gauhati HC
“The courts should operate in virtual mode with staggered roster, so as to eliminate footfalls and maintain social distancing,” said the order, issued by the Registrar General of the Court on the Chief Justice’s directions.
A limited number of cases will be mentioned, and advocates and parties-in-person may discuss their cases in person to demonstrate the urgency of their cases before the court, according to the statement.
The court will only hear the case if it is determined that it is urgent, it added.
Virtual mode of work
The decision was made in response to a recent spike of COVID-19 cases in Assam, according to the statement.
According to the order issued on Wednesday, only attorneys and parties-in-person whose names appear on the cause list will be allowed to access the high court’s premises, and any other individual whose presence is required will be allowed to enter after gaining prior permission from the registrar.
The limits will be in place until further notice, according to the statement.
During the first two waves of the epidemic, the high court operated in a virtual form with comparable limits.