The Delhi High Court has temporarily amended the process of the service of notices, summons and daaks. This is done due to the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 in Delhi. Through the June 3, 2020 order, Chief Justice DN Patel directed that instead of distributing such documents through physical mode, the Court will send them through email, fax or WhatsApp.
โThe concerned parties seeking for using the service are required to furnish the necessary email address and other details. The Dispatch Branch/Process Serving Agency, in coordination with respective judicial branches and IT Branch; will continue the process of sending the documents through electronic mode from their seats only.’ – The order read.
In conclusion, the order states the Court authorities may restore the conventional method of physical service once the normalcy returns.
The Preparation of Authorities in the Event of a Major Earthquake
In other news, following several minor earthquakes in and around the national capital since April; the Delhi High Court today asked the AAP government and civic authorities about their preparation if a major tremor hits the city. A division bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rajnish Bhatnagar asked:
- the Delhi government;
- the three municipal corporations- North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC);
- Cantonment Board;
- Delhi Development Authority; and
- New Delhi Municipal Council;
To file affidavits explaining steps taken or proposed. In order to ensure safety of people in the event of a major earthquake. Therefore, the Court gave the Delhi government and the civic authorities one week to file their affidavits.ย Moreover, the court also directed the authorities to make the public aware about the action plan in place, if any. For their safety in the event of a major tremor in Delhi. As per the reports, 16 earthquakes have occurred in and around Delhi in the last 2 months.
