Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court will function in virtual mode on selected days and with reduced physical staff strength as part of fuel conservation measures introduced amid the global energy crisis triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
According to a notification issued by the Registrar General of the Orissa High Court on Monday, all benches of the court will function virtually on May 19 and May 21.
The notification further stated that all vacation benches of the High Court will also operate in virtual mode during the summer vacation period.
As part of the measures aimed at ensuring optimum utilisation of fuel, the High Court has decided that only 50 per cent of the staff will remain physically present in the court and registry.
“At least 50 per cent of the staff should remain physically available for uninterrupted functioning of the HC and Registry,” the notification said.
Staff members not required to attend physically have been directed to remain accessible through telephone, mobile communication and other electronic means during office hours.
The High Court has also advised that official meetings should preferably be conducted through virtual or online mode. Physical meetings may be convened only in urgent and unavoidable situations, the notification added.
The measures have been introduced following recent circulars issued by the Union Government and the Supreme Court of India in view of the worldwide fuel and energy concerns arising from the Middle East situation.
