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

Punjab & Haryana HC Notice To Jindal Law School Over AI-Generated Exam Claims

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday has issued a notice to Jindal Global…

8 hours ago

ED Files Money Laundering Complaint Against Charanjit Singh Bajaj, 4 Others

The ED on Tuesday has filed a Prosecution Complaint before the Special Court in Mohali…

8 hours ago

Pune Porsche Case: SC Rejects Anticipatory Bail To Father Of Minor Driver’s Friend

The Supreme Court on Tuesday denied bail to Arunkumar Devnath Singh, whose son is a…

9 hours ago

SC Dumps Plea Against Quashing LOC For Sushant Singh Rajput’s Ex-House Help

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the Centre's appeal against a Bombay High Court order…

10 hours ago

Rape Case: SC Issues Notice On Ex-Army Officer’s Plea For Quashing Charge sheet

The Supreme Court on Tuesday has agreed to review a plea from retired Army Captain…

10 hours ago

Chhattisgarh NAN Scam: FIR Against 2 Retired IAS Officers, Former AG

The Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau on Tuesday has registered a case against 2 retired IAS officers…

10 hours ago