The Delhi High Court has decided against the use of air conditioners during the coming summer as a preventive measure to contain the spread of Covid-19 and instead will resort to normal fans and proper ventilation.
The special committee of Judges examined the issues and showed serious concerns for use of AC and would further consider permanent solution and other necessary equipments as may be required. Court has passed this direction while disposing of a petition raising question over the buildings which are centrally air conditioned including Delhi High Court building and other subordinate court buildings. The plea which was filed by the Bar Council of Delhi’s Chairman Advocate KC Mittal was heard by Bench of Chief Justice and Js. C. Harishankar.
Advocate K.C Mittal told India Legal that, “High Court patiently and extensively heard the petition and passed the order after deeply considering the issues raised. Central Government supported the report that present situation of Coronavirus can be aggravated by use of Air Conditioners. The Committee of High Court headed by Js. Hima Kohli agreed to issues raised in Petition and accepted it in their report dated 28 April.”
Suggesting the need for substitutes Mittal said, “Other ways have to be found for proper circulation and ventilation of air in the court premises. Fans or equipments that have to be used would also be deliberated upon in meeting . Question of use of Airconditioning in Delhi High Court and other buildings across, is an important question that has to be discussed and other solutions or substitutes to AC’s are necessary to be found out.”
Mr Mittal further also informed about next meeting and told that, “Next meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday. Idea is how best to use the building in operation. The main concern at this juncture is how to stop the spread of coronavirus which is so obvious by use of Central Air Conditioning.”
-India Legal Bureau