The Allahabad High Court issued austerity measures to reduce fuel consumption and improve resource efficiency, directing officers and staff to adopt car pooling, public transport, online meetings, and hybrid court proceedings. The initiative follows guidance from the Chief Justice of India and the Central Government.
As Delhi’s temperature neared 50°C, the Supreme Court urged lawyers to join hearings virtually to avoid the extreme heat. It encouraged online appearances but stopped short of mandating them, noting potential accessibility issues for many practitioners in India.
The Supreme Court of India will conduct hearings exclusively through video conferencing on Mondays and Fridays following Narendra Modi’s fuel conservation appeal, while functioning in hybrid mode from Tuesday to Thursday amid rising crude oil prices and the West Asia crisis.
The Supreme Court allowed intervention in the Bar Council elections matter but strictly directed parties to remain physically present. Warning lawyers appearing online, the CJI said, “Those who are appearing online, they will have to donate.”
As Delhi’s air quality plunges into the hazardous category, the Supreme Court has advised lawyers and litigants to opt for hybrid or virtual hearings. The move aims to ensure safe and uninterrupted court proceedings amid worsening pollution.
Bombay High Court criticised lawyers appearing for virtual hearings from their cars and directed the Maharashtra Government to immediately provide dedicated cubicles near court premises, ensuring dignity and professionalism in hybrid judicial proceedings.
NCLT Kolkata suspends video conferencing after cybersecurity concerns. Virtual hearings are paused until NIC confirms systems are secure.
After a video of Senior Advocate Bhaskar Tanna sipping beer during a virtual Gujarat High Court hearing went viral, SCBA President Vikas Singh urged for strict virtual court rules and punishment for those violating them.
A Supreme Court petition has been filed seeking preliminary inquiries in cases of dowry harassment and sexual offences, while advocating for a Uniform Civil Code. The petition highlights concerns over the misuse of women’s rights, calls for legal consolidation to enhance efficiency, and requests virtual hearings for individuals outside court jurisdictions.
Justice J.K. Maheshwari, born on June 29, 1961, has served on the Supreme Court since August 31, 2021. He authored 41 judgments, including significant cases related to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and divorce rights. Previously, he was Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim High Courts, noted for diligent service and innovation.
