Following the directions of the Delhi High Court, all city District Courts have been directed to keep open their videoconferencing link during the court sitting hours.
The directions have been issued vide circular dated February 28, 2022 by Girish Kathpalia, Principal District and Sessions Judge (HQs) in order to ensure smooth and hassle-free functioning of the courts through virtual mode.
The development came after a division bench of Delhi High Court vide order dated January 20, 2022 said that it expected the judicial officers of the district and sessions courts to follow the order passed by it regarding holding of virtual and hybrid hearings in letter and spirit.
The Bench had also said that all such courts should keep their weblinks open on every working day from the start of the Court functioning i.e. 10 AM till such Court holds its sittings, so that any counsel or party wishing to join virtually is able to join the proceedings even without any prior intimation.
In the circular issued, it has been stated that some of the district courts are still not adhering to the directions regarding virtual and hybrid hearing, which is causing undue hardship to the lawyers, litigants and other stakeholders.
Accordingly, all the district courts are directed to follow the directions following guidelines:
CISCO Webex Licences be used exclusively for the respective court proceedings and/or administrative work during the office hours only (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM) followed by extended administrative working till 08:00 PM, and not thereafter except in unavoidable circumstances and subject to written permission of the Presiding Officer concerned.
The Reader of each court shall keep open the videoconferencing link during the court sitting hours from 10.00 AM 4:30 PM at least.
All Judicial Officers and concerned staff officials shall ensure to keep video camera of the Presiding Officer of the court in switched ON mode when the court is being held through videoconferencing.
The proceedings/sessions through CISCO Webex Video Conferencing shall not be recorded except with permission of the concerned Presiding Officer/Chairman of the Committee.
The circular further states that non-compliance of the aforesaid directions shall be viewed seriously and disciplinary proceedings shall be initiated against the erring official, as per rules.
