High courts will not deny access to hybrid mode hearings to desirous lawyers, litigants in 2 weeks: SC
PTI, Oct 6, 2023, 2:28 PM IST
New Delhi: No high court in the country shall deny access to video conference or hearing through hybrid mode to lawyers and litigants after two weeks, the Supreme Court said on Friday while making it clear that technology is not a matter of choice for judges now.
Irked over the minimal use of technology in ensuring hybrid hearings in high courts, a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra issued a slew of directions to ensure that such modes are not disbanded.
“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,” the bench said.
It also directed the high courts to put in place the standard operating procedures (SoP) for availing access to hybrid or video conferencing hearings in four weeks.
“We direct the Union IT Ministry to ensure internet connectivity to courts in north eastern states to ensure access to online hearings,” it said.
“If you want to be a judge then you have to be tech-friendly,” the CJI said, adding, “Technology is no longer a matter of choice.”
Earlier, the top court had 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.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today
FIR against Sanjay Raut’s brother for remarks against Shiv Sena’s woman leader
In-flight passengers can access WiFi services only when allowed, say new rules
Balasore tragedy result of composite negligence of railway officials: Orissa High Court
Three convicted for 2016 Kollam collectorate blast case
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
MRPL offers Rs 1 cr to buy advanced TB testing machines
Salman Khan gets another threat, asked to cough up Rs 5 cr
Mangaluru: Vishwa Konkani Samaroh to be held on Nov 5 and 6
Canadian cop suspended for attending pro-Khalistan protest outside Hindu temple
Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.