The raging Covid-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of 34 judicial officers and three High Court judges, and severely impacted the judicial fraternity, both physically and psychologically, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said on Thursday.
The CJI added that 2,768 judicial officers and 106 Judges of the High Court have tested positive so far while data from two major High Courts is yet to be received.
“Everyone has been deeply affected by this pandemic. Apart from the physical impact of this pandemic, the psychological and mental strain has been terrible. Despite this demoralizing and fear-inducing environment, everyone is rendering service to their best capacity, to ensure that justice continues to be rendered,” the CJI said in a virtual meet.
The first employee of the Supreme Court Registry was reported COVID positive on April 27, 2020. To date, approximately 800 Registry staff have tested positive, he said.
“My heart goes out to the families and the loved ones of those whose life has been cut short by this pandemic”, the CJI said appealing everyone to stay safe and continue to follow all the Covid protocols.
