Efforts Underway To Eliminate Physical Presence As Far As Practicable; Bombay HC Seeks Funds For Video Conferencing Facility In Courts For Long Term [Read Press Release]

In a press release the Bombay High Court declared that efforts are underway to fine tune the system to eliminate physical presence as far as practicable. Court also stated it has taken various measures to secure access to justice during the Covid-19 pandemic, one major example being, conducting cases through video conferencing.

The press release states-

"At the Principal Seat in Mumbai a methodology has been developed and is being tested whereby no one needs to step out of the residence to participate in Judicial proceedings.

This is particularly useful in a city like Mumbai where commuting is not possible while achieving social distancing. At the Benches of the High Court at Nagpur, Aurangabad and High Court at Goa, Video Conferencing facility is provided on the lines of the facility extended by the Supreme Court. Same procedure is also adopted for the District Courts in Maharashtra and Goa. Efforts are underway to fine tune the system to eliminate physical presence as far as practicable."

The Bombay High court is also considering setting up such a facility on a long term basis and the press release states that the State Government is being requested to release requisite finances for these measures.

In a separate notice on Thursday, the High Court laid out the procedure for hearing exclusively through video conferencing. The Judge nominated by the Chief Justice will take up mentioning of extremely urgent matters through Video Conferencing between 12 noon and 2 pm on notified Court working days.

Moreover, Advocates who wish to mention an urgent fresh matter before the VC Court shall make online payment of the requisite Court Fees using the Government Receipt Accounting System (GRAS).

Importantly, the notice mentions that the praecipe will not be taken up unless accompanied by GRAS Challan and the written undertaking. Also, recording of the hearing is strictly prohibited.

Advocates should install "Vidyo" software on their Computer or Smartphone to join the video conference room.

Click Here To Download Press Release

[Read Press Release]

Click Here To Download Notice

[Read Notice]