COVID-19: Odisha HC limits proceedings, imposes restrictions

Cuttack: Amid COVID-19 threat, Orissa High Court limited the proceedings and imposed restrictions on entry and listing of cases.

Following a notification issued by the Supreme Court of India for exercising precautionary measures, the High Court urged the lawyers as well as the visitors to avoid congregation inside and outside the courtrooms to reduce potential spread of coronavirus.

“In order to avoid congregation inside courtrooms, it is hereby requested that only the lawyers who are going to act (along with the concerned litigant, if absolutely necessary) should attend the Court in connection with a case,” the HC stated in a notification.

The court also restricted the entry and listing of cases in view of safety and welfare of all the visitors, litigants, lawyers and court staff.

“Further, conducting lawyers and litigants (in the manner stated above) of not more than ten matters should enter the Court Room at a time. For safety purposes, it is also requested to avoid congregating outside the Courtrooms, as far as practicable,” the notification stated.

Mentioning of the matters will be made before the Deputy Registrar (Judicial) only having due regard to the aforesaid precautionary guidelines. Considering the importance of the safety measures for health, all concerned are requested to cooperate in this regard, in the interest of all, the court said.