During this crisis of scare of the spread of Corona Virus, we talked to more than a dozen lawyers across the country to sees how the complete shutdown has affected their daily routine and what social responsibilities have they taken up during this time.
We talked to Senior Advocate Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala, President of International Council of Jurists and Chairman of All India Bar Association. Dr Aggarawala is former Chairman of Bar Council of Delhi and Vice-Chairman of Bar Council of India and Vice President of Supreme Court Bar Association. practices at Supreme Court of India. According to him, in his 42 years of career as lawyer, he has never seen such a long period of close-down of Supreme Court. Covid-19 has hit the world hard, especially the legal system. Everything is at a grinding halt at this point. In India alone, there are around 5,00,000 prisoners housed across the country’s jails. They need legal help urgently. Due to Corona Virus threat they cannot have access to the courts. Though Judges are hearing very urgent cases through electronic means (video conferencing/Skype etc) but still many people are being deprived of their personal liberty due to Corona Virus scare.
Dr Aggarwala told LAB news that he was busy in finishing up of his second biography of Prime Minister Modi. The book titled ‘Narendra Modi – Harbinger of Prosperity & Apostle of World Peace” was to be launched by President Trump in the White House in May, but due to Corona virus spread it has been postponed, Dr. Aggarwala said. The co-author of the book Ms. Elisabeth Horan, a well-known American author and our publisher “ USA Publication & Distribution House, New York had sought appointment from President Trump, but now it has been postponed. The book is in the printing press. The book, originally written in English, has been translated and printed in Ten foreign languages simultaneously in Arabic, Dutch, French, Spanish, Mandarin, German, Italian, Russian, Japanese and 10 Indian languages namely Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.
“My earlier book titled “Narendra Modi – A Charismatic & Visionary Statesman” was co-authored by British author Ms. Sarah J. Marchington. This book was circulated worldwide.
Corona Virus spread has taken the world by storm. Supreme Court of India is closed till April 15, 2020.”
As per my household chores during this time, frankly speaking, I don’t take much interest. We are currently three people staying in our New Rajinder Nagar house at New Delhi. My wife Saroj cooks very tasty food. I help her to buy groceries and milk from the market. My son Amish, also a lawyer, helps me in my professional work. He also takes up cleaning work especially cleaning of car, watering plants etc. We have a driver and a maid, but now both have been prohibited from coming to the house. We have paid all the workers two month’s salary in advance. My son ensured that each staff member has at least two months ration at home.
I have been in the house since March 22, except for 10 minutes for purchasing milk and vegetables. I am under isolation and self-quarantine as I was in London last month. I have no cough or cold but would like to remain in Isolation, Dr Aggarwala said.
I endorse Prime Minister Modi’s initiative to fully close down the country. I feel anyone who is roaming around on roads should be tested by thermo-meters. The Government should formulate strict Rules to curb Corana Virus. I am impressed by PM Modi’s daily routine, He (PM) wakes up at 4 am and does Yoga, Pranayam etc. This keeps him in good health. My message to all my fellow lawyers and citizens of the country is to practice Yoga everyday to remain fit and healthy.
