COVID 2019 : In Sunday Hearing Allahabad HC Passes Directions To Control Spread Of Coronavirus [Read Order]

While hearing a PIL filed by a practicing Advocate of the high court Shashank Shri Tripathi, Chief Justice Govind Mathur and Justice Ramesh Sinha ordered,

"So far as the High Court premises at Allahabad as well as at Lucknow are concerned, the Registrar General is directed to take all necessary steps immediately in consonance to the policy of the State Government including installation of Infrared Thermal Scan Device. The High Court administration shall also ensure zero error cleanliness in entire campus."

Tripathi had urged the High Court to issue a writ in the nature of mandamus commanding the State of Uttar Pradesh and its functionaries to ensure suitable precautionary steps to prevent infection of COVID-19 in the premises of Allahabad High Court at Allahabad as well as at Lucknow.

He had submitted that a big number of people visited the Court premises every day and in this huge foot fall there may be persons infected by COVID19.

In this backdrop, Tripathi had also sought institution of a High Level Precautionary Committee of experts for the purpose of prevention of COVID-19 in the premises of the High Court.

When the matter was taken up today, the bench was informed that the Registrar (Protocol) of the High Court had already corresponded with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Prayagraj who in turn had sent a team to the High Court premises for anti mosquito spray and fogging. The court was further informed that certain teams had been constituted for rapid response to the expansion of the COVID-19, if any.

Dissatisfied with the response, the bench remarked, "The steps as disclosed by the Chief Medical Officer, Prayagraj does not appears to be quite effective."

Inter alia, the court has directed the Registrar General to take immediate measures in consonance to the policy of the State Government, including installation of Infrared Thermal Scan Device at the High Court premises, to curb the epidemic.

"So far as the High Court premises at Allahabad as well as at Lucknow are concerned, the Registrar General is directed to take all necessary steps immediately in consonance to the policy of the State Government including installation of Infrared Thermal Scan Device. The High Court administration shall also ensure zero error cleanliness in entire campus," the bench ordered.

The high court has also directed the UP State government to strictly implement its policy and advisories to check on the spread of the Coronavirus and to submit a report of compliance on the next date of hearing, i.e., March 17.

"On going through the steps said to be taken by the State Government, we deem it appropriate to get compliance of the same at earliest. The respondent-State shall also file a complete report of the compliance of the steps notified by it on or before next date of listing," the order states.

Case Details:

Case Title: Shashank Shri Tripathi v. Honble High Court Of Judicature At Allahabad & Ors.

Case No.: 533/2020

Quorum: Chief Justice Govind Mathur and Justice Ramesh Sinha

Appearance: Advocate Shashank Shri Tripathi (in person); Additional Advocate General Neeraj Tripathi assisted by Additional CSC Shashank Shekhar Singh

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