PANAJI
All lower courts and quasi-judicial authorities have been advised by the State government to begin functioning normally since Covid-19 has declined.
The missive, however, cautioned that social distancing and other standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to the Covid-19 pandemic are required to be strictly followed at all public premises.
"The competent authorities of above respective courts should start functioning on a normal basis taking into account the situation prevailing in their respective districts. The principal idea is to avoid congestion and close contacts. The Bar associations would also ensure that the Bar rooms are not crowded, the canteens, cafeteria in the Court shall not be kept open beyond the office working hours," the government missive said.
A Goa government official confirmed that instructions have gone to all the courts and quasi-judicial authorities, including revenue courts, Children's Court, Industrial Court, Administrative Tribunal, Labour Court, RERA, Goa Human Rights Commission, Goa State Information Commission and other quasi-judicial authorities like Rent Controller, Dy Director/Directorate of Panchayat, Mamlatdars/Jt Mamlatdars/Block Development Officers.
Entry of litigants and the general public is to be regulated by the courts and Judicial authorities in the court complexes. Also, video-conferencing facilities wherever available must be put to maximum use to record evidence.
To ensure hygiene in court complexes is maintained, disinfectants are to be sprayed regularly and preventive measures against the Covid-19 threat have to be taken inside court premises, the concerned administrative staff has been told.
