"Considering Issue On Administrative Side": Delhi High Court Refuses To Entertain Plea Seeking To Adopt 'Virtual Hearings' As A Norm

The Delhi High Court on Monday refused to entertain a public interest litigation, seeking to adopt virtual court hearings as a norm across all the Courts in the national capital.

The petitioner, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, stated that virtual court hearings are extremely convenient and time saving, hence, the Court should consider adopting it as a norm in all district courts as well as the High Court.

However, the Division Bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Neena Bansal Krishna stated that the issue is being considered at the administrative side and thus, it sees no reason to entertain the PIL at this stage.

"Having heard the party in person and looking at the facts and circumstances of the case, we see no reason to entertain this writ petition at this stage, mainly for the reason that the High Court is working on this issue. Decision is being taken by the High Court on its administrative side with help of a Committee. Members are sitting judges of the Delhi High Court and after due deliberation and discussion, the issue involved in this writ petition is being looked into," it said.

The Bench added that looking at the prevailing pandemic situation in the city, the High Court is reviewing and modifying its decision. The plea was accordingly dismissed.

Also Read: Virtual Hearing Can't Be A Norm; Rights Of Public To Have Open Court Can Be Protected By Live-Streaming : Supreme Court

The Petitioner had stated that the present guidelines issued by the High Court state that Virtual Courts will be resorted to only in exceptional circumstances. However, by adopting Virtual Courts permanently, one can optimize the time of judiciary, litigants and the lawyers.

Case Title: Mujeeb Ur Rehman v. Registrar General, Delhi HC

Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (Del) 173