the goan I network
MARGAO
The South Goa Advocates Association has requested the High Court of Bombay at Goa to reconsider the decision to hear cases during the summer vacation in the event the lockdown is lifted after May 3, saying it is better to be safe than to be sorry later.
Association president, Adv Antonio Clovis Da Costa said the High Court has now to take the views of Bar Associations and a final decision is expected to come in the next couple of days.
“We feel there’s no need for any symbolic decision to show that we will be working during the summer vacation. Nothing will happen in these 30 days during the summer vacation. It is better to be safe than to be sorry later,” Adv Clovis added.
He pointed out resuming court hearing when the Covid-19 cases shows no decline in the neighbouring state of Maharashtra and the spike in case in Belagavi is no good for everyone when hundreds of people and staff assemble in the trial courts. “Do you think that we are equipped to handle such a situation. We have conveyed to the High Court that the summer vacation could be used as a trial run before the courts actually start functioning,” he said.
“We should not forget that the borders are still porous. We cannot afford to take chances,” he said, adding that the court has issued the order to resume hearings without taking the Bar into consideration.
Adv Clovis pointed out the Covid-19 cases have raised its ugly head in the Supreme Court when people were being checked at the entry and exit points and wondered whether the lowers courts will be equipped to handle the emerging situation.
