National

HCs Will Not Deny Access To Hybrid Mode Hearings To Lawyers, Litigants In 2 Weeks: SC

The Supreme Court on Friday stated while making it clear that technology is not a matter of choice for judges now, “No high court in the country shall deny access to video conference or hearing through hybrid mode to lawyers and litigants after 2 weeks.”

Irked over minimal use of technology in ensuring hybrid hearings in high courts, a bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra issued a slew of directions to ensure that such modes are not disbanded.

The bench stated, “After the lapse of two weeks from this order, no high court shall deny access to video conference facility or hearing through hybrid facility to any member of the bar and litigants.”

It also directed the high courts to put in place the standard operating procedures (SoP) for availing access to the hybrid or video conferencing hearings in 4 weeks.

It stated, “We direct the Union IT Ministry to ensure internet connectivity to courts in north eastern states to ensure access to online hearings.”

The CJI stated, “If you want to be a judge then you have to be tech-friendly, adding, “Technology is no longer a matter of choice.”

Earlier, the apex court sought the response of all the high courts and some tribunals on whether they have disbanded the hybrid mode of hearing cases, allowing lawyers and litigants to appear in a matter through video-conferencing as well.

Meera Verma

Recent Posts

Centre Opposes Ex-Judges Panel To Monitor Stubble Burning In SC

The Centre on Friday opposed a proposal in the Supreme Court to form a committee…

4 hours ago

“It’s A Celebration For Us”: Delhi HC Bar Association Felicitates CJI Sanjiv Khanna

The Delhi High Court Bar Association on Friday honored Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv…

5 hours ago

International Criminal Court Issues Arrest Warrant For Israeli PM Netanyahu

The International Criminal Court has recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,…

5 hours ago

Cal HC Stays Demolition Of Illegal Constructions In WB’s Mandarmoni

The Calcutta High Court on Friday granted an interim stay on the demolition of alleged…

6 hours ago

SC To Pass Order On Pleas To Efface Words ‘Secular’, ‘Socialist’ From Preamble

The Supreme Court on Friday announced that it would deliver its order on November 25…

6 hours ago

Air Pollution: SC Questions Delhi Govt On Truck Entry Amid GRAP-4 Restrictions

The Supreme Court raised concerns on Friday about the "drastic" consequences of the GRAP Stage…

6 hours ago