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The Allahabad High Court recently due to the sudden spike in Covid-19 cases across Uttar Pradesh, has decided to restrict regular functioning of courts till April 9. The decided to restrict the functioning of regular court in Lucknow and Allahabad. Chief Justice, Govind Mathur has directed that only special benches would constituted for urgent cases and fresh guidelines for functioning have been issued by the Registrar General.

The court issued the Modalities & Arrangement (related to the functioning of High Court during COVID-19) which would be effective w.e.f. 03rd April 2021 to 09^th April 2021.

“All the guidelines regarding COVID-19 issued by the Central Government, Government of Uttar Pradesh and the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad will be followed by all concerned strictly.”- stated the guidelines.

Few of the general guidelines are as follows –

• The High Court will function with minimum strength and till further orders, only the special Benches constituted shall remain operational.
• The wearing of face-mask will be mandatory for entry in the High Court Premises.
• The Hon’ble Judges and their supporting staff (Private Secretary, Bench Secretary, Peon etc.) in minimum required number will attend the High Court.
• The sections of the Court will be opened as per the instructions issued by the Registrar General.
• The Learned Advocates w.e.f. 03.04.2021 will file their Cases / Documents / Petitions / Applications in E-mode or in physical form, in the Stamp Reporting Section and the Application Section which will function at Counters.
• The Stamp Reporting Section, till further order will not withhold any fresh file due to any defect and will place that before the Hon’ble Court concerned for appropriate orders.
• The Senior Advocates if appearing in any case will be granted entry in the High Court if prior information of the same is given to the Registrar (Protocol) well in advance on his Mobile Number 9415218422 or through E-mail at protocol@allahabadhighcourt.in.
• The Canteens of the Advocates and the Employees' Canteen situated in the High Court Premises will function with observance of COVID-19 safety protocols.
• The Photo Affidavit Centre will remain closed till further order and the requirement of affidavit in support of the facts averred the matter filed either through e-mode or in hard copy may be dispensed with on having satisfaction.
• Spitting in the premises of the High Court is prohibited and will attract punishment.
• Provision of handwash and sanitizer will be made available at operational entry, exit points and in common area.
• The Chief Medical & Health Officer, Prayagraj and Lucknow respectively shall arrange all necessary medical assistance and attendance in the High Court campus at Allahabad and Lucknow to meet any urgent medical eventuality.
• Frequent sanitization of the premises of the High Court, common facilities and all points which come into human contact viz. doorknobs, chairs, tables etc. will be ensured.

[Kindly refer to the file attached below to read the complete guidelines issued by the High Court]