Bombay High Court Allows Virtual Hearings Across All Benches Following CJI DY Chandrachud's Rebuke

Following a rap from Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, the Bombay High Court has opened up virtual hearings for all its benches with immediate effect.

"It is hereby informed to all the stake holders that now each and every Court of the High Court of Bombay including its Benches can be accessed virtually by the stake holders, unless directed otherwise, in the cases listed before the Courts, for attending or participating in hearing virtually through hybrid video conferencing facility," the notice issued by Registrar (Judicial) SM Bhosale states.

The notice further said that all virtual hearings could be accessed through the official website.

"The static links to attend the court hearing virtually can be accessed on the official website of the Bombay High Court for participating/attending Hybrid Hearing through video conferencing through "Virtual hearing" caption."

The Supreme Court on Friday (06.10.2023) had directed all High Courts to ensure that no member of the bar is denied access to video conferencing facilities or hearing through hybrid facility. The Apex Court had given all High Courts two weeks' time to comply with its order.

"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." the Court ordered.

The bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra also issued several additional directions with regard to video conferencing facilities across High Courts and Tribunals.

During the hearing, CJI DY Chandracuhud expressed his disappointment in Bombay High Court disbanding its video conferencing infrastructure. “Why has Bombay HC disbanded? In a city like Bombay, travel is also so difficult. Technology is not a matter of choice. Technology is as much a part of our legal system as much as law books. Without technology, how do we function?” he said. 

The SC noted that apart from Justice GS Patel and a few other, no one was using the hybrid hearing facility. 

Click Here To Read Notice