SC curtails service as COVID-19 cases spike in Valley

KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court (SC) has curtailed its services following an increase in coronavirus cases within Kathmandu Valley.

The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice stating that the registration and hearing of the habeas corpus application, hearing of the writ petition of urgent nature, withdrawal of the case and conciliation will be the only issues to be dealt with until August 31.

The apex court has stated that the service flow has to be curtailed saying that the infection is increasing in the Kathmandu Valley, court employees, security personnel of the judges are infected and even the judges are staying in home quarantine.

It should be noted that SC’s Justice Ishwor Khatiwada has gone on self-imposed isolation after his personal security officer tested positive for coronavirus.

Even though his bodyguard has not been in close contact for the past two weeks, judge Khatiwada has decided to go on isolation.

Likewise, SC judges, including Purusottam Bhandari, Hari Phuyal, Manoj Sharma, Mira Khadka and some of its staffers, who were in regular contact with justice Khatiwada are also set to stay on leave as a precautionary move.

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