Functioning of district courts restricted to four hours

PRAYAGRAJ, April 24 (HS): In light of the the number of Covid-19 cases in Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad high court has reduced the working hours of all district courts in the state on an administrative level. Both district courts will now operate between the hours of 10.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. It used to be from 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. It has also been explained in a letter written by Registrar General of Allahabad High Court, Ashish Garg, to all district judges in the state that the judicial officers and court staff may be directed to leave the court premises as soon as the work is completed.

“As per the discretion of the district judge, such matters can be heard in person in the courtroom or by video conferencing/virtual mode in the courtroom or residential office. It must be investigated if it is possible to handle matters in such courts solely by virtual means,” the letter continued. “Furthermore, only those attorneys whose cases/matters are listed/fixed would be allowed to enter the court premises. The letter stated that “as soon as the cases of counsel are completed, they shall leave the court premises.” “The right of litigants to enter the courtroom should be strictly restricted. Only those litigants/parties whose presence is needed in the courtroom can be admitted by the district judge,” the letter added.