IHC mulls reopening district courts

Islamabad's top court to make a decision in light of today’s NCC meeting

ISLAMABAD: Different lawyers' bodies of the federal capital have recommended that the district courts should be reopened under precautionary guidelines for the novel coronavirus (Covid-19). However, a final decision in this regard will be made by the crisis management committee of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday.

The committee will mull over the reopening of district courts in light of the decisions which are expected to be made by the National Coordination Committee (NCC) in its meeting today (Monday).

The judges of IHC including Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani and Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzaib are a part of the committee.

Other committee members include District and Sessions Judge West Tahir Mahmood and District and Sessions Judge East Rakhshinda Shaheen and, Administration Judge Special Court Raja Jawad are also members of the committee.

Islamabad Bar Council (IBC) Vice Chairperson and Islamabad District Bar Association (IDBA) President Zafar Khokar, and Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) President Haseeb Chaudhry are also members of the crisis committee.

The members representing the government include an official of the health ministry and Islamabad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hamza Shafqaat.

IDBA President Zafar Khokar confirmed to The Express Tribune that a move to reopen the courts is under consideration.

He said that they have suggested reopening district courts under precautionary guidelines. However, the final decision will be made by the crisis management committee.

Khokhar added that two courts have already been sealed after judicial employees tested positive for the virus there and since then all precautionary measures were being strictly followed.

Moreover, the IHCBA President Haseeb also spoke to The Express Tribune. He said that they have framed different SOPs which are under consideration. One includes reopening of district courts partially, he explained.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 1^st, 2020.