Constitute a Committee to Look Into Issue of Vaccination of Lawyers and Hybrid Hearings: Delhi High Court Orders DHCBA's Executive Committee [READ ORDER]

The Delhi High Court on Friday, i.e. 26th February, 2021 asked the Executive Committee of the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) to hold a meeting on 1st March, 2021 at 4:00 pm for discussion and for constitution of a committee for submitting its recommendations on the issue of vaccination to lawyers and hybrid hearings. 

After considering the submissions made by different lawyers, the court also ordered that the said Committee may interact with the various stakeholders including at least three senior counsels, lady lawyers, some younger lawyers and submit its recommendation to the Executive Committee. 

A single judge bench of Justice Pratibha M. Singh ordered the Executive Committee of DHCBA to hold a meeting on 1st March 2021 at 4 PM for discussing the issue and for constitution of the said Committee.

The order came in a petition filed by Advocate Manashwy Jha, a practicing advocate of the Delhi High Court who sought the following two reliefs:

1. Firstly, there should be a mechanism for vaccination of lawyers, who are enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi and who are members of the Delhi High Court Bar Association.

1. Secondly, that until the vaccination process of all lawyers is completed, the impugned notifications dated 20th February, 2021 relating to the physical functioning of the Delhi High Court and Subordinate Courts ought to be suspended.

Mr. Jayant Mehta, counsel appearing for the Delhi High Court submits that he wishes to seek instructions as to whether there was a written demand from DHCBA for full opening of physical courts.

Ms. Kajal Chandra, counsel appearing for the DHCBA confirms that the DHCBA had made a demand for physical hearing, however, she seeks time to consult with the Executive Committee of the DHCBA as also consult with all the lawyers who have expressed various apprehensions today and to revert to the Court as to what is the final stand of the DHCBA.

The matter will now be heard on 4th March 2021. The DHCBA would be placing its final stand before the Court on the next date of hearing.

 [READ ORDER]