Justice A.K Sikri, Former Judge,Supreme Court of India, stated that,"It is in three ways COVID-19 is affecting the society, 1. Lives 2. Livelihood and 3. Lifestyle. These three things are greatly affected. The materialistic world we had transcended into leaving behing our ethos, COVID-19 has made us to reflect on our ways of lifestyle".
The above statements were made by Justice Sikri during webinar organized Bar Council of Delhi in collaboration with LatestLaws.com on "COVID-19: Health and Safety of Lawyers: Lockdown and Beyond".
Justice Sikri pointed out that,"There is silver lining in coronavirus pandemic. It has thrown a challenge to bring legal reforms through technology. During the Lockdown we have to run courts through VC for urgent case but at the same time there our other cases which are pending and the arrears are increasing everyday. Technology is the way forward. Even after normalcy returns there should be some e-courts on lines of VC courts".
He stated that,"From my personal experience as arbitrator after retirement, the evidence through video-conferencing which is impeccable and guidelines have been framed by instiutions like ICC, SIAC, LCIA. Acting as International Judge in Singapore International Commercial Court prior to Lockdown in Singapore in April, we had smooth functioning of Court where all the three Judges joined from different locations India, Singapore and London".
Justice Sikri stated that,"As Dr. Gogia, Corona Unit, Head Safdarjung Hospital has stated that virus stays on paper for about 6 hours, then the shift to technology is eminent. But there are few lawyers who use iPads or laptops. There should live streaming of cases so that the litigants can see their cases sitting at home. There
He suggested that,"Even with less number of cases listed, we need to ensure all the lawyers are not present in the Court since morning. The cases should be listed in staggered manner where time is provided when the case will be heard to avoid over-crowding the courts".
"My appeal to legal community is that we have to up skill and learn more skills during these coronavirus times to become more friendly towards technology" said Justice Sikri.
He further stated that,"It would like to appreciate the step to be taken by Bar Council of India to dispense with use of Courts and Gowns during these troubling time".
Justice Sikri pointed out that,"Six Things we should Keep in Mind During the Lockdown: Anything can happen to anyone--we should be prepared for worst ,Patience is virtue--we should maintain positivity, No Plan is Bad Plan--we should have something rather than having nothing, Reprioritize to Focus on what is Important, Procastination make things difficult,Forsight is necessary".
Justice Sikri concluded by stating that,"During this Lockdown, Lawyers should hone their skills to adapt with technology, read law books on the different subjects to increase their knowledge, works to improve their weaknesses, catch up with their hobbies to keep away from stress and depression like thoughts".
