Calcutta High Court Directs Administrative Wing To Examine Issues Relating To Quality & Size Of Filing Papers In All Courts

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Thottathil B. Radhakrishnan and Justice Arijit Banerjee has directed the Registrar General to initiate requisite activities in this regard, within three weeks.

The development comes in a writ petition filed by Advocate Nikunj Berlia, inter alia seeking following reliefs:

• The quality of A4 size papers that are used for printing and filing matters in the Appellate Side and Original Side of the High Court should be such that the same would be cost effective, without insisting on bond papers.
• Printing and filings before sub-ordinate courts should also be in A4 size papers. This, the Petitioner contended will provide consistency and uniformity in the matter of filing and also in the matter of duplicating the papers by photostat or otherwise to be utilized when litigation reaches the superior courts.
• A4 size papers should be required to be printed on both sides. The Petitioner insisted that such utility of A4 size papers will considerably reduce the number of sheets that may be required to place the entire pleadings on board.

It was the case of the Petitioner that the above measures will also help to control waste of papers.

At the outset, the Division Bench noted that the petition has been initiated with a good intention.

However, it was of the opinion that the issues raised in the petition call for determination on the administrative side. It observed,

"we are of the view that the issues sought to be raised are not matters which should call for determination on the judicial side without the High Court administration dealing with the matter at the appropriate level, within a reasonable time, so that the interest of the community at large should be better subserved."

The Bench therefore disposed of the petition, with directions to the Registrar General to raise the aforesaid issues on the administrative side of the High Court. It has also ordered to take into account the views expressed by the Bar, the Advocate General, the Additional Solicitor General and the Public Prosecutor in this regard.

Lastly, the Bench expressed hope that the administrative wing will decide the matter expeditiously, so as to subserve the ends of justice.

Also Read: Calcutta HC Allows Use Of A4 Sheets For All Filings On Both Original & Appellate Sides

Case Title: Nikunj Berlia v. High Court at Calcutta

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