Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court in Cuttack will switch to virtual mode amid call for optimum utilization of fuel in view of worldwide energy crisis caused by the Middle East conflict.

The Registrar General of Orissa HC issued a notification in this regard today.

As per the notification, all Benches of Orissa HC will function virtually on May 19 and May 21. Similarly, all vacation Benches of the HC will also operate on virtual mode during the summer vacation.

Moreover, the court will function with only 50 per cent staff as part of the fuel conservation measures.

“At least 50 per cent of the staff should remain physically available for uninterrupted functioning of the HC and Registry,” said the notification.

The staff members who are not required to attend the HC physically will remain accessible through telephone, mobile communication and electronic means during office hours, added the notification.

“As far as practicable, the official meetings shall be conducted through virtual/online mode. Physical meetings may be convened only in urgent and unavoidable situations,” read the notification.

These fuel conservation measures have been introduced by the HC in view of the circulars issued by the Union Government and the Supreme Court of India recently.