The Bombay High Court is set to reintroduce the hybrid mode of hearing cases starting October 10, allowing litigants and lawyers to opt for virtual appearances if they prefer.
The High Court administration issued a notice on its official website on Monday, announcing this decision.
Static links for participating in court hearings virtually through video conferencing have been made available on the website to facilitate the participation in hybrid hearings.
This decision follows the disapproval expressed by the Supreme Court on October 6, regarding the discontinuation of video conference (virtual) hearings or hybrid mode hearings by judges at the Bombay High Court.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud had expressed concern that, apart from Justice Gautam Patel of the Bombay High Court, few other High Court judges appeared to be utilizing technology.
“Why is it so retrograde on technology? … apart from Justice Patel, no one else is using it,” remarked CJI Chandrachud.
His concern was further accentuated by the fact that the Bombay High Court is his parent High Court.
“Now in Bombay (High Court), you have disbanded the infrastructure, and the infrastructure has been disbanded. This is my parent High Court, and I am distressed to say that the hybrid mode has been done away with… How many screens have been removed? How many courtrooms have hybrid hearings apart from Justice Gautam Patel?” questioned the CJI.
According to the notice issued by the High Court on Monday, advocates, parties-in-person, litigants, and other concerned individuals who prefer virtual hearings may request access from the respective court staff.
Entry to the virtual hearings will be permitted by court staff after verifying the identity and relevance of the individuals to the cases scheduled for hearing.
During the COVID lockdown period, the Bombay High Court conducted virtual or hybrid hearings of cases. However, it transitioned to physical hearings on February 10, 2022, and has continued in this manner since then, effectively discontinuing virtual hearings.
Although judges had the discretion to allow parties and lawyers to appear virtually, only a few judges were known to grant such permissions, leading to criticism from the top court.
