The Delhi High Court has permitted lawyers and litigants to appear via video conferencing from February 16 to 23 due to the AI Impact Summit and Bar Council of Delhi elections. The court will continue functioning in hybrid mode, making virtual appearance optional during this period.
The Delhi High Court has allowed lawyers and litigants to appear through virtual mode from February 16 to February 23, 2026, due to two major events taking place near and inside the court premises — the AI Impact Summit and the Bar Council of Delhi elections.
As per an official circular issued by the High Court administration on February 14, the decision was taken considering the expected security arrangements, crowd movement, and logistical challenges during this period.
The AI Impact Summit is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from February 16 to February 20. Bharat Mandapam is located close to the Delhi High Court premises, and large-scale participation by global leaders, policymakers, and technology experts is expected. Immediately after that, the elections of the Bar Council of Delhi are set to take place within the High Court premises from February 21 to February 23.
Taking note of these back-to-back events, the High Court has given an option to members of the Bar and parties appearing in person to join court proceedings through video conferencing.
The circular clearly states:
“In view of the ‘AI Impact Summit’ scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from 16.02.2026 to 20.02.2026 and the elections of Bar Council of Delhi scheduled to be held in the premises of the Delhi High Court from 21.02.2026 to 23.02.2026, Hon’ble the Chief Justice has been pleased to direct that the Members of the Bar/Parties-in-Person may appear in their matters listed before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court from 16.02.2026 to 23.02.2026 through video conference,”
This means that from February 16 to February 23, advocates and litigants do not have to compulsorily attend court physically if they prefer to join through virtual mode.
However, the High Court has made it clear that physical functioning of the court will continue as usual. The hybrid system — where both physical and virtual appearances are allowed — will remain in place during this period. Lawyers and litigants can choose whichever mode is convenient for them.
The AI Impact Summit is expected to be a major international event, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and technology innovators. India is hosting this summit at a time when artificial intelligence is becoming a key focus area for governments across the world. Discussions at the summit are likely to focus on AI policy, innovation, regulation, and global cooperation.
Since Bharat Mandapam is situated near the High Court, heavy security arrangements and traffic diversions are expected during the summit dates. Similarly, the Bar Council of Delhi elections are likely to witness large participation from advocates across the city, which may lead to congestion inside the court complex.
By permitting virtual appearance during this period, the Delhi High Court has ensured that judicial work continues smoothly without inconvenience to lawyers and litigants. The move reflects the court’s continued use of digital infrastructure and hybrid hearing systems, which became more prominent after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision also highlights the judiciary’s effort to balance major public events and internal administrative activities with uninterrupted access to justice.
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