A Bench of Justice Ajay Rastogi and Justice CT Ravikumar on Thursday shut down the virtual hearing link to Courtroom 6 after observing that some lawyers are misusing the facility.
A lawyer requested a pass-over in a case a few minutes after the court began hearing the cases listed on the cause list, claiming that his senior was preoccupied before Court Hall 1.
“Court Hall 1 is hearing a Constitution Bench matter. He is arguing there?”, Justice Rastogi enquired.
“No, he is mentioning a matter,” the advocate replied and the bench granted the passover request.
The lawyer informed the court that his senior was prepared to attend and present the case virtually when the matter was called out again.
“Wakil saheb, don’t try to be smart in my court. We have also 40 years of experience, you can be in trouble!”, Justice Rastogi replied in response.
The senior lawyer then appeared virtually. “Your junior said you were in Court Hall 1. Now you are appearing virtually?”, the bench questioned the senior lawyer.
The lawyer retorted that he was preoccupied with a Consumer Court special bench hearing that had started at 9:30 am.
Visibly irritated with the response, the court stated, “Close it (the Virtual Court hearing link). We are providing this service to lawyers, but they are misusing it! “.
The Virtual Court link to the court proceedings was closed shortly after that.
The Supreme Court currently operates a hybrid system in which litigants and advocates can appear before the Court either physically or virtually.
Today’s development comes just days after Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasised the significance of virtual hearings.
CJI Chandrachud, a strong supporter of the use of technology in the judiciary, has emphasised the significance of virtual hearings in promoting access to justice.
