Wearing of mask mandatory from April 17: MHC

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has made wearing of masks and maintaining physical distance compulsory from April 17 and advised people to avoid entering court campus if their cases are not listed.

"In view of the reports citing gradual rise in Covid-19 positive cases, this registry on April 6, 2023 has notified that the Madras High Court both at the Principal Seat and at the Madurai Bench is restoring to hybrid mode of hearing of cases on a regular/daily basis with effect from April 10. In continuation thereof, all the officers, staff members, advocates, litigants, parties-in-person, advocate clerks and all concerned entering into the court halls and court premises both at the Principal Seat and at the Madurai Bench, are advised to compulsorily wear face mask, maintain social distancing and wash their hands frequently with effect from April 17 (Monday), with a view to arrest the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in the larger public interest. The advocates and litigants whose cases are not listed on a particular date are requested to avoid entering into the court campus," said registrar general P Dhanabal in a circular.

"The officers concerned shall take all necessary steps to sanitize the court halls, chambers, sections and the entire court premises. It is also advised to make available hand sanitizers in all important places particularly at the entrance of all court halls, chambers, sections etc., " he added.

The Madras High Court has issued the same instructions to all the Principal District Judges/Principal Judge/District Judges of the District concerned in the state of Tamil Nadu and to the Chief Judge, Union Territory of Puducherry, for the smooth functioning of the courts, without compromising on the Covid-19 protocols.