'If SC Can Do It, Why Not High Court?': Delhi HC Asks Centre, Registrar General To Consider Double-Sided Printing For Judicial Filings

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed its Registrar General to consider the issue regarding printing of A4 size paper on "both sides" for the purpose of judicial filings and file a status report by July 12.

The Division Bench comprising of Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Navin Chawla also directed the Central government and the Union Law Ministry to take into consideration the request made by the Petitioner to issue a general circular to all High Courts for use of A4 size paper of adequate quality and printing on both sides, with a view to save space and environment.

The Union of India has been directed to file its affidavit within 4 weeks.

The Court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change. The counsel appearing for the organization argued that though the High Court directed the use of A4 size paper uniformly in all jurisdictions for all kind of pleadings contained in petitions, affidavits, applications or other documents etc, and all memorandum of appeals, orders and judgments in the High Court as well as in all District Courts of Delhi, the suggestion both sides of paper be used has not been examined.

At the outset, the High Court observed that the reason why double-sided printing was not favored is that it poses a problem while scanning of documents.

"It becomes a problem when pages are scanned. Normally, we put it in a Scanner and it takes sheets one by one and scans. If the text is printed on double side, it's a problem," Justice Sanghi said.

However, the Petitioner responded that even the Supreme Court has permitted double sided- printing and the same technology may be adopted by the High Court. In this regard, he placed on record a circular issued by the Apex Court on March 5, 2020.

Hearing this, the Bench asked CGSG Anil Soni and Advocate Shubham Mahajan, appearing for the High Court, to seek instructions.

"You consider this. If the Supreme Court can have it, why not the High Court? The infrastructure is the same. Wherever it's possible, this technology should be implemented," it said.

Accordingly, the matter is listed for filing of status report on July 12.

It may be noted that the High Courts of Kerala and Tripura have permitted double-sided printing on A4-size paper.

Case Title: Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change v. Registrar General & Anr.