Kerala High Court Notifies Modified Sitting and Filing Arrangements [Read Notification]

As per the Notification, the Court will function via video conferencing through two Division Benches and three Single Benches.

In addition to the e-filing mode prescribed earlier, advocates have been allowed the option of filing cases physically in the event they find it extremely difficult to file cases through e-filing mode. The Notification also states that cases filed through physical mode will be scrutinised only on the next day and will be posted before court if it is in order.

The Notification declares that the present system of filing will be reviewed in 15 days or upon the lifting of lockdown, whichever is earlier.

Additionally, it has been clarified that the e-filing module for the Subordinate Courts in the State is not approved, except for the Commercial Courts, Munsiff-Magistrate Court, Kolenchery and Rent Control Court, Ernakulam.

The Notification initially stated that the advocate/party physically filing the case is expected to upload a copy of the file electronically within 45 days of the said filing, and submit an undertaking to the effect in the physical file. After Advocate Thomas Abraham, President of the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association, moved a representation against this condition, the same was revoked. Advocate Abraham's letter also took issue for the time taken for scrutinizing physical files, stating that the one-day gap for scrutiny was fixed "without any cogent reasons for such unwarranted delay".

Other highlights of the Notification

• Notice to the party respondent shall be taken by the e-filer / petitioner as ordered by the Court through Registered post with acknowledgement due or email or such other approved mode;
• Advocates / parties desirous of moving again a case filed through efiling mode shall file an urgent memo through e-filing mode, containing brief statement of facts and reason for urgency enabling the Judge concerned to take a decision on the urgency. once the request is allowed, the case will be listed as per the orders of the court;
• The Registry will be organising training sessions for Advocates and Advocate clerks regarding the e-firing procedure, including demonstrations through "Youtube" and printouts;
• (i) Grievances related to e-filing may be redressed by contacting at the following telephone numbers: 8921962674 (Anes PA.) , 9447116225 (Reshmi R.), 9497366435 (Nimmy Jacob), 9633750628 (Amrutha Mohan ) 0484-2562540, 0484-2562527 or by mailing to efilegrievance@gmail.com

(ii) A special cell consisting of Sareena V.G. Nair, Director (IT), Joseph Rajesh K.A., Deputy Registrar (IT)  and V.J. Ranjith, Assistant Registrar has also been constituted to oversee the proper functioning of the process and to ensure that the complaints / enquires of Advocates in relation to e-filing and ancillary matters are attended promptly.

Click here to download the original notification

Click here to download the amended notification