All staffers at residence of Supreme Court judge Justice M R Shah test COVID-19 positive

Supreme Court judge MR Shah has said that his entire court staff had tested positive for Covid-19. It came days after Justice Surya Kant said that his staff had tested positive. Shah took a short break after he received the news but soon shared it with fellow judge DY Chandrachud, litigants and lawyers.

“Things are very, very, tough,” he told additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhatti who was arguing a case before his bench. Bhatti told the court that she was grappling with similar issues. A few judges of the Delhi high court too have been infected. One judge has resumed duty while some others remain under isolation.

Since Kant’s disclosure, SC has introduced screening and have reverted to virtual courts. SC’s screening measures include compulsory RT-PCR tests for staff who show symptoms. Supervisory officers were asked to ensure staff wears masks, maintain distance and frequently sanitise hands and follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour. Persons with notified symptoms have been restricted from coming to office/premises, and asked to seek medical advice. Instructions said there shall be no crowding or loitering in campus and movement in common areas should be for specific purpose and completed in minimum time. The lift should be used only for going up and by not more than 3 persons. The measures are in addition to existing protocols.