'We Will Give Appropriate Instructions': CJI Assures After Lawyer Mentions Difficulty In Getting VC Links

"We will give appropriate instructions. Everybody has to get a link", CJI SA Bobde said in view of difficulty expressed by a lawyer in the aftermath of Supreme Court's decision to not share VC links via Whatsapp.

Advocate KK Mani, making a mention before the CJI, said that lawyers are finding it difficult to get the links under the new system.

Through a circular dated February 27, the Supreme Court decided to stop sharing of VC links via WhatsApp. The Registry said that the links for virtual hearings in the Apex Court will be shared on registered email IDs and mobile numbers of the concerned advocates-on-record and party-in-person from March 1.

The step was taken in the wake of the newly notified Information Technology (Guidelines for intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

While stating that the above system of sharing links is not effective, Mani informed the Bench that the link for today's hearing was forwarded to him by the SCAORA Secretary and that he did not receive any intimation from the Registry.

He further said that forwarded links do not always work, thereby depriving Advocates from entering appearance.

At this juncture, the CJI inquired if this problem had arisen only today. However, Mani informed the CJI that lawyers are facing this difficulty since last three days, i.e. ever since SC Registry stopped sharing links via Whatsapp Groups.

"We will give appropriate instructions. Everybody has to get a link", the CJI said.

It is significant to note that yesterday, a CJI led Bench of the Supreme Court had dismissed a petition after the lawyer failed to join the Video Conference after two calls.

"Dismissed For Non-Prosecution" : Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Seeking Allocation Of Separate Funds For Judiciary After Counsels Fail To Appear

When the matter was called for hearing yesterday, it had to be passed over as no Counsels appeared before the Court. When the matter was called out again at the end of the Board, the Court directed that the plea be dismissed as the Counsels failed to appear again on second call.