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The Division Bench of Justice Vipin Sanghi & Justice Rekha Palli have issued notice in a plea seeking timely medical treatment of the Judicial Officers & their family members who are subject to direct exposure with the public on account of the nature of their work.

It was argued that a large number of judicial officers and their family members have got infected with COVID-19 infection, but are not able to get treatment due to shortages of hospital beds in the NCT of Delhi. 

“The Judicial Officers come in contact with a large number of persons from the public, as well as advocates and their staff. Due to the increased exposure, the chance of them getting infected is extremely high. Even during the lockdown, some of them are required to remain physically present in Courts to discharge their duties.”, the petitioners further argued.

The petitioners also pointed out that the demise of two Judicial Officers namely Mr Kovai Venugopal & Mr Kamran Khan due to CoVID.

Thereafter, the petitioners sought for directing the concerned District Magistrate to coordinate to provide necessary medical assistance to the Judicial Officers and their immediate family members, to battle the disease. 

Adv Santosh Kumar Tripathi appearing on behalf of GNCTD submitted that the State was ready & willing to provide assistance to deal with the situation. 

Thereafter, the Bench directed the District & Sessions Judge of each district to coordinate with the District Magistrates to address the medical concerns of the Judicial Officers and their immediate family members. 

Further, the Court directed for communicating the order to all the District and Session Judges as well as to the District Magistrates for compliance. 

“The District and Session Judges may, in consultation with the District Magistrates, identify suitable places for setting for COVID-19 care centres.”, the Court observed.

Notice was accepted by Adv Mr. Anil Soni accepts on behalf of respondent nos. 1 & 2 and by Adv Mr. Santosh Kumar Tripathi notice on behalf of respondent nos. 3 & 4. 

The matter will now be heard on May 6, 2021.

Case Title: Shobha Gupta & Anr v. Union of India & Ors.