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The Delhi High Court has expressed dissatisfaction at the half page status report filed by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) in dealing with the matter of providing requisite infrastructure for functioning of virtual courts in the District and lower judiciary and tribunals in Delhi during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The division bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh perused the affidavit filed by GNCTD and said, “There seems to be little sensitivity shown by the GNCTD in the matter of providing requisite infrastructure for functioning of Virtual Courts in relation to the District Courts, other Courts & other quasi-judicial bodies in the NCT of Delhi during the pandemic.” In view of the same, the court has directed the GNCTD to file a better status report before the next date. 

The court has also directed the the Principal Secretary (Law), Principal Secretary (Food & Supplies Department) and the Principal Secretary (Finance) to remain present for hearing on the next date.

Considering the suggestion by Adv. Manish Vashisht appearing for the petitioner, who submitted that since physical functioning of the courts – both in the High Court of Delhi, as well as the District Courts of Delhi, is resuming shortly, directions may be issued, firstly, to limit the number of litigants entering the Court premises; and secondly, to ensure that even the lawyers who come to the courts are vaccinated.

Vashisht further suggested that a requirement should be made to the effect that advocates who appear should produce the electronic copy of the certificate showing vaccination undertaken by them.

The court said that in its view both the suggestions were good and directed Vashisht to make these suggestions to the Delhi High Court Bar Association as well as to the Coordination Committee of the District Courts Bar Associations, as well as to the Registrar General of this Court, who may examine the feasibility of implementing the same.

The court also clarified that its directions contained in its order dated Mar 24, 2021  to the effect that whichever quasi-judicial bodies have the requisite infrastructure available, should permit hybrid hearings – just as this court and courts subordinate to this court are undertaking, shall continue till further orders.

The court has listed the matter for next hearing on Sep 6.

Case Title: Anil Kumar Hajelay & Ors v Hon'ble High Court of Delhi/ Manashwy Jha v UOI & Ors.