J&K High Court orders publication of video conferencing links in weekly causelists for Jammu and Srinagar benches. Advocates must follow strict SOPs for virtual hearings.
Srinagar: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued a new order making virtual hearings more accessible for lawyers and parties. The Court has directed that the video conferencing (VC) links for both the Jammu and Srinagar wings will now be published in advance in the weekly causelist itself.
The order, issued under No: 1237 of 2025/RG/RC Dated 27/08/2025, states:
“It is hereby ordered that the virtual link for each of the Hon’ble Bench of Jammu & Srinagar wing of the High Court, be published in advance in the weekly causelist itself, using which any party/ Advocate desirous to appear through virtual mode may do so, provided he/she is permitted to appear virtually by the Hon’ble Bench.”
The Court further clarified:
“Besides, the party/ Advocate joining virtually shall follow SOP as delineated in Annexure-‘A’, to this Order.”
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The order was signed by M.K. Sharma, Registrar General (Officiating) on 27 August 2025.
Annexure-A to this order contains the detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Virtual Hearings, ensuring smooth conduct of online proceedings.
It begins with the directive:
“In order to ensure smooth conduct of Virtual Court proceedings, the following Standard Operating Procedure shall be adhered to by all Advocates, Parties-in-Person, and concerned Officials.”
On publication of links, it clarifies:
“Links for Virtual Hearings for each Court shall be published along with the Regular Causelist on the High Court website.”
On informing staff about intent to appear virtually:
“Advocates/Parties-in-Person intending to appear through Virtual Hearing shall inform the concerned Bench Secretary/Reader before 10:00 A.M. on the date of hearing.”
For joining the hearing, the SOP specifies:
“While joining the Virtual Court session, Advocates shall clearly mention the following points (as a name): Item number of the case, Name of the Advocate appearing, and For whom they are Appearing……… For Petitioner/For Respondent”
It strictly notes:
“Only those Advocate/Party-in-Person/ be permitted to join the proceedings, who shall comply the above mentioned points.”
Regarding connectivity, the SOP mandates:
“Testing of video/audio connectivity shall be done well before the commencement of Court proceedings. Once proceedings begin, no attempt shall be made to test or reconnect, except with prior intimation.”
The Court also stressed courtroom discipline even in virtual mode:
“All participants shall maintain the same decorum as in a physical Courtroom.”
“Advocates/Parties/Officials shall appear properly dressed in prescribed Court attire.”
“If a link is shared with any Government Officer/Official whose presence is required in a case through Virtual Mode, he/she shall also be properly dressed.”
“Microphones and cameras shall remain muted/off by default. They may be unmuted and switched on only when the concerned matter is called and the participant is addressing the Bench.”
For case monitoring, it adds:
“Advocates/Parties are required to follow the online Display Board on the High Court website (http://jkhc.gov.in/dis) to ascertain the item number currently being taken up by the Bench.”
On prohibited conduct, the order clearly warns:
“Persons whose presence is not required or those who disturb proceedings/violate etiquette will be removed without prior notice or warning. Such participants shall not be able to rejoin and no complaint will be entertained.”
“Recording, publishing, or sharing of Virtual Court proceedings in any form (video, audio, or otherwise) is strictly prohibited.”
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Finally, on compliance, it concludes:
“All participants must strictly adhere to the above instructions. Any deviation may invite removal from the session and other consequences as deemed appropriate by the Hon’ble Bench.”
With this order, the J&K High Court aims to simplify and enhance the transparency of virtual hearings, while ensuring discipline and the smooth functioning of online proceedings.
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