Gauhati High Court issues guidelines; after a Judge reportedly tests COVID-19 positive

GUWAHATI: The Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court today issued guidelines for its functioning, in the wake of the surge in COVID-19 cases.

The directive comes after a Judge of the court reportedly tested COVID-19 positive.

According to reliable sources, Justice HK Sarma and his wife have been tested COVID-19 positive.

The guidelines will be applicable to the principal seat of the Gauhati High Court, the outlying benches at Kohima, Aizawl and Itanagar and the subordinate Courts of Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.

According to the guidelines, there shall be restricted court functioning with staggered roster in all the courts, so as to maintain social distancing.

The guideline also said that 50 per cent of the staff, below the level of administrative officer (Judicial) shall attend office alternately.

All the officers and staff of the courts have also been asked to wear face masks covering the nose and mouth.

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On the other hand, entry of outsiders have been strictly prohibited in the court premises

The guideline also said that bar rooms in both the blocks and the canteen of the Gauhati High Court will remain closed.

These guidelines will come into effect from tomorrow and shall remain in force for a period of  two weeks or until further orders.