In the backdrop of the coronavirus scare across the globe, the Supreme Court is likely to decide tomorrow whether it will extend the ongoing Holi vacation or have limited functioning of the court.
Recently, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a pandemic. India has also quarantined itself by suspending all visas till April 15. The Delhi government has ordered shutting down of schools, colleges and cinema halls.
According to Supreme Court Bar Association Secretary Ashok Arora, a meeting was held on Thursday at the residence of Chief Justice S.A. Bobde, which was attended by Justice Arun Mishra, the third senior-most judge, Justice U.U. Lalit and top law officers of the Centre — Attorney General K.K. Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
The meeting was also attended by senior officials of Law and Health ministries. Senior officials of various bar associations of the apex court also attended the meeting. The judges were apprised of the existing situation of coronavirus across the country.
The Supreme Court is slated to reopen after the Holi break on March 16.
“Two options were put up before the judges and top law officers: either extend the ongoing vacation or have limited functioning of the court, which does not include hearing of regular matters involving lengthy hearings,”, said a source familiar with the discussion.
The judges are expected to take a decision by tomorrow afternoon.
