RAMBAN: Keeping in view the strong apprehension of the third wave of Covid-19 infections and as per the orders issued by the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, the Principal District and Session Judge, Ramban Haq Nawaz Zargar has passed directions to implement all Covid protocols in letter and spirit in District Court Complex.
The Principal District and Session Judge instructed the stockholders to implement the latest SOPs of the Central and UT Government regarding gathering at public places within the court complex also.
Only vaccinated Advocates, staff members and any other stakeholder will be permitted entry in the court premises as per the order.
He also passed directions to advocates and other stakeholders to follow all Dos and don’ts mentioned in the order to prevent spread of Covid infection among people working in the court complex of the district.
“Advocates in proper uniform shall be allowed entry into the Court premises. However, Advocates shall themselves restrict their entry in a manner that only those Advocates enter the Court building on a given day whose cases are listed on that day before any Court”, Order stated further.
Entry of witness (s) and accused person(s) shall be permitted in District and Subordinate Courts subject to strict compliance of latest SOPs pertaining to the containment of Covid-19 and vaccination.
Entry of litigants and public into the Court premises from the very outer gate shall continue to be prohibited. If, however, any litigant on any reasonable ground is compelled to argue his case personally, he shall be allowed entry into the Court premises subject to the condition that he makes an application at least two days prior to the date of hearing through e-mail to the Presiding Officer of the Court disclosing such compelling reasons and seeking permission in that regard.
If in a given case one of the party appearing through Advocate insists for virtual hearing for any reason of his inability to appear physically, the Court may, if necessary, permit him/her to argue through virtual mode and the other party may present his/her case physically or the matter may be adjourned with consent of the parties provided that advance notice for such virtual hearing is given to the concerned Court at least a day before.
For the time being, Advocates are free to file their cases, applications etc., either physically or by virtual mode.
CJM Ramban, Anjum Ara who is also the Nodal Officer to ensure implementation of latest Covid protocols in the District Court Complex and other courts in the district was asked to make all necessary arrangements in this regard.
Secretary, DLSA Ramban, Pooja Gupta was asked to ensure complete sanitization of Court Buildings, twice a week.
All the advocates were also requested to cooperate with officers, staff members and security force Personnel posted at the entry points of the Court complexes/Court rooms entrusted with the task of implementing the aforesaid protoco

KR Desk