Plea for cautious use of central ACs to prevent COVID-19 spread: HC seeks govt stand

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday sought answers from the central and Delhi governments on whether or not to use central air-conditioners in public buildings amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown. A bench led by chief justice DN Patel sought responses on an application filed by advocate KC Mittal in his personal capacity. Mittal is the chairman of the Bar Council of Delhi.

The bench, which included justice C. Hari Shankar, was told that the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) had issued certain guidelines on this aspect of the problem on April 22. These guidelines suggested that the air-conditioning systems be disinfected and cleaned and humidity levels maintained at all times. Mittal’s plea sought such disinfection before public institutions such as high courts switch their central ACs on and also an expert committee to look into all these aspects.

After hearing the CPWD and the Delhi government, the bench adjourned the hearing of the case till May 1. The petition claimed that the Delhi High Court building was centrally air-conditioned and though this was considered a modern luxury its impact when there is no circulation of fresh air and sun had never been examined.


“However, in times of epidemic and viral infection, it can inadvertently act as massive catalysts to further the spread of virus or other infections, notably, air/aerosol borne infections. This will add to unprecedented crisis being faced,” said the petition. The petition said that purifying mechanisms were installed earlier in the high court to tackle air pollution.