Delhi HC Issues Notice On Plea For Taking Anti-COVID Measures In Central AC Buildings

The Delhi High Court today has Issued Notice to Centre and Delhi Government on an application seeking directions to Government in view of the virulent nature of Covid 19 infection, the seriousness of the illness caused by it and the very obvious possibility of the centrally air conditioning units of the High Court and Courts subordinate thereto which are all centrally air conditioned buildings spreading the infection.

The Petition was filed by Mr. KC Mittal, Advocate and Chairman of Bar Council of Delhi, in general public interest and in interest of judges, lawyers and subordinate court staff. It prayed for notice to be issued to Public Works Department, Government of NCT, Delhi and other concerned authorities, to set up a Committee of experts to examine the problem and suggest technical solutions thereto, including, but not limited to implanting ultraviolet disinfectant units into the air circulation system of the air conditioning set up in the High Court. 

The present application has been filed in the Suo Motu writ petition over Increasing Pollution in National Capital City New Delhi. 

Also, the applicant prayed for issuing directions to the Respondents to take all necessary steps and precautions to ensure that no centrally air conditioned buildings may be put to use without adequate measures and precautions being taken to prevent spread of Covid-19.

Applicant mentioned that Delhi High Court buildings are centrally air conditioned. Though centrally air conditioned buildings are, in usual times, viewed as affording modern luxury, although never ever the impact of centrally air conditioning environment where there is no circulation of fresh air and sun has ever been examined. However, in times of epidemics 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.

Hon’ble Chief Justice observed that it is a very vital issue. Mr. Meet Malhotra Sr Advocate appeared for applicant. Sh Ajay Digpaul, Standing Counsel Union Of India said that Central Public Works Department has issued guidelines on 22.4.2020 which will be placed on record. Registrar General High Court will look into it.

Advocate K.C. Mittal told Indialegal, “Spread of invisible infection of COVID-19 is a potential threat to life, caused many deaths and is on the rise. Everyone is in a quandary,  whether to open or not, and if yes, when and to what extent, without diluting the norms. Unfortunately, use of Centrally A/C premises is reportedly a source for spread of virus. Once Aerosol infection enters A/C system, it can potentially infect and circulate infection in different directions through air circulation. The  High Court, district Court and many other centrally A/C buildings in Delhi can be a source to spread virus, which must be plugged. By this application, he has sought directions from the Court to avert such risk, otherwise we may be back to square one. It’s the primary duty of authorities to take precautionary measures, promptly.”

-India Legal Bureau