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Supreme Court notifies guidelines for those entering Lawyers' chambers.
The Supreme Court of India has issued guidelines for those entering the Lawyers' chambers, keeping in mind the growing numbers of Covid-19 cases.
Suggestions have been made by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record Association (SCAORA).
Almost two months after the physical entry inside the premises of the Supreme Court has been restricted, it was recently decided that lawyers can access their respective chambers if they need to get hold of any essential file or documents or books.
After conveying the clarifications to the concerned lawyers with respect to the Registry's letter of May 17 on the opening of the chambers of Lawyers, the Supreme Court has now issued guidelines for the entrants keeping in view the growing cases of coronavirus affected patients in the country.
The circular states that a time frame has been put in place for allowing entry in the chambers for accessing files and documents and belongings. The chambers would be accessible between 10 AM and 4 PM on weekdays and 10 AM and 2 PM on Saturdays.
The chambers of Lawyers will remain closed on Sundays and holidays for deep cleaning and sanitisation. Entry is permitted to the members of the Bar and their staffs only after production of their proximity cards. The entrants will have to go through thermal screening and shall fill out self declaration forms as well as insert a daily register entry to facilitate contact tracing.
Those entrants who are found to be symptomatic or are found to be not wearing masks will be denied entry as per the circular.
The Court said that the SCBA and the SCAORA can jointly prepare an Odd Even plan based on Chamber numbers for monday through saturday to ensure that there is no overcrowding and social distancing should be maintained. Also, every Chamber Block will be opened from one entry point which will be fitted with a hand sanitisation machine.
The use of lift for coming downstairs will not be permitted and the use of air conditioning in chambers might raise health concerns.
