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Order banning entry of public in J&K courts to continue

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has ordered continuation of ban on entry of public, litigants and clerks in courts premises because of Covid-19 situation.

Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal restated an earlier order of February 3. He issued this order through the office of Registrar General Jawad Ahmed on March 21. Earlier order of February 3 mentions prohibition of entry of the Litigants and public into the Court premises from outer gate.

The court order also mentions that if any litigant has to argue his/her case personally, then he/she would have to apply at least two days before the date of hearing in order to enter into the Court premises. He/she has to send application through e-mail to the Registrar Judicial/Presiding Officer of the Court sharing compelling reasons and seeking Permission for allowance in court premises.

February 3 order also mentions that if the Registrar Judicial/Presiding Officer is satisfied by reasons presented in application then they can permit such litigant to enter into the Court premises. If they do so then they would also have to inform the litigant of their decision by return e-mail.

The Chief Justice stated in his March 21 order that many people are not following these directions and it has resulted in an increase in people’s presence inside court premises.

He said that considering the recent surge in Covid-19 infection cases, earlier guideline/directions are reiterated and the Registrar Judicial of both wings of the High Court have to follow them. He also directed presiding officers of all courts in the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to ensure that they strictly implement these guideline/direction.

Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), J&K has shared data highlighting that Jammu division has reported 28 positive cases of Covid-19 while 104 positive cases were reported from Kashmir division on Monday.