Supreme Court: Justice Ajay Rastogi Shuts Virtual Hearing Link, Says Lawyers Misusing Facility

In an unusual development in the Supreme Court, a Bench of Justice Ajay Rastogi and Justice CT Ravikumar on Thursday closed the virtual hearing link to Courtroom 6 after observing that lawyers are misusing the facility. Few minutes after the court started hearing the matters as per the cause list, a lawyer appeared to seek a pass-over in a matter stating that his senior was occupied before Court Hall 1."Court Hall 1 is hearing a Constitution Bench matter. He is arguing there?", Justice Rastogi asked. "No, he is mentioning a matter," the advocate replied and the bench allowed the passover request. When the item was called out again, the advocate told the court that his senior was ready to appear and argue the case virtually."Wakil saheb, don't try to be smart in my court. We have also 40 years of experience, you can be in trouble!", Justice Rastogi said in response. The senior lawyer then appeared virtually. "Your junior said you were in Court Hall 1. Now you are appearing virtually?", the bench asked the senior lawyer.The counsel replied that he was occupied before a special bench of a Consumer Court which had commenced hearing at 9:30 am. Visibly irritated with the response, the court said, "Close it (VC hearing link) down. We are granting this facility to lawyers; they are misusing it!".Shortly after, the VC link of court proceedings was closed. The Supreme Court currently has a hybrid system of working—lawyers and litigants have the option of appearing either physically or virtually before the Court. Today's development comes days after Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud highlighted the importance of having virtual hearings. CJI Chandrachud, who has been a strong advocate for the use of technology in the judiciary, has emphasized the importance of virtual hearings in promoting access to justice.“Whether you are pro-technology or not, all Chief Justices of High Courts need to learn that technology is to be used," the CJI said recently during a hearing.Judges cannot insist on physical presence of lawyers by saying that the former are coming to court, the CJI underscored. The CJI Bench was hearing a plea seeking to declare virtual hearings as a fundamental right. **Note: The author tried to log in twice after the virtual link was closed but wasn't able to.

Supreme Court: Justice Ajay Rastogi Shuts Virtual Hearing Link, Says Lawyers Misusing Facility

Rintu Mariam Biju

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