Coronavirus: Provide temperature guns at security check, Gujarat High Court takes suo motu action of the outbreak

The Gujarat High Court has registered a suo motu Public Interest Litigation in the wake of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic [titled Precautionary Measures In The Wake Of The Pandemic of Corona Virus (COVID-19).]

The High Court has further impleaded the State of Gujarat through its Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, Department of Medical Health and Family Welfare, and the Principal Secretary of the Legal Department as respondents, and has issued notice to them.

The matter was taken up by a bench of Chief Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Ashutosh J Shastri.

While pointing out that the advisory issued by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India was to be strictly adhered to, the High Court issued certain additional directions as well.

These directions include providing temperature guns at the security check in the Court premises, taking necessary steps in case any person is found to be having temperature above normal, and sanitizing the Court building and premises on a daily basis.

Directions have also been issued to the members of the Bar Association, the Registry, and staff of the High Court. These include avoiding public gatherings, discouraging litigants from attending court hearings, and making sure that any absence of parties would not entail adverse orders.

It has also been directed,

"Handshake greetings may be avoided and greetings may be with folded hands only."

The respondents have been directed to file an affidavit within a week. The Court has sought details of the persons affected by the Coronavirus in the State of Gujarat and the steps taken by the government with regard to their treatment.

The state was represented by the Advocate General Kamal Trivedi along with Advocates Nisha Thakore, Krina Calla, Vrunda Shah and JK Shah.

Read the Order here.