CAT to decide on its functioning after lockdown announcement

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has clarified that the decision regarding its functioning amid the Covid-19 pandemic would depend upon the stand the government takes with regard to the extension of the ongoing nationwide lockdown.

"The future course of action would be decided depending on the steps the government takes with respect to the period from April 15 onwards. Even if there exists the slightest possibility to conduct the courts, the same would be availed," a statement issued by the tribunal read.

Until then the CAT will continue with its mini vacation which began on April 2.

"With the imposition of lockdown, it became impossible for the benches to function since neither the advocates, nor the employees of the tribunal were in a position to attend to the work. The principal bench in fact was scheduled to be on a mini vacation from April 2-12," it said.

The tribunal attempted to function in these tough times but it failed in doing so. "The sittings were arranged keeping in mind that social distancing was maintained. However, even that became impossible in view of the steps taken by the government from March 24 onwards," the statement read.

The option to conduct the hearings through video conference was not available, firstly because the necessary equipment and infrastructure were not in place and secondly, it was not possible to procure them in view of the lockdown. IANS