[COVID-19] SCBA urges lawyers to avoid going to court after 150 Supreme Court registry officials, staff test positive

At least 150 registry officials and staff members of the Supreme Court have tested positive for Covid-19, a message by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to its members said. .The SCBA, therefore, urged lawyers not to enter the high security zone of the Supreme Court..The message said that while there is no official circular or instruction from the Court barring entry of lawyers into high security zone using the proximity card, it would be advisable not to enter the high security zone of the court unless it is absolutely necessary. "They have not issued any such circular as of now and therefore entry through Proximity Card will continue. I (Secretary of SCBA) have assured that we will be self regulating and will take all the necessary precautionary measures to avoid spread of COVID-19 virus. However, as we all know that more than 150 staff of the Supreme Court registry have been found Covid Positive, I earnestly request all of you to avoid entering the high security zone until (sic) very urgent as it may lead to stricter measures," the message said.It also stated that helpline numbers will be issued by the Court registry by tomorrow for communication in relation to any query. "It has been assured that the calls would be attended by the staff of the registry so that no inconvenience is caused to our members," the message added..At least four Supreme Court judges had also tested positive for COVID-19 and the Court has already decided to function in a restricted manner from tomorrow. .According to an announcement made on January 6, hearing of cases from January 10, Monday will be complete via virtual mode with the judges joining for hearing via video conference from their residences instead of court.Importantly, only extremely urgent 'mentioned' matters, fresh matters, bail matters, matters involving stay, detention matters and fixed date matters will be heard from January 10.Many High Courts have also resorted to virtual hearings due to surge in COVID cases.Judges at various High Courts including Bombay, Uttarakhand, Calcutta and Allahabad High Courts have also tested positive for COVID.