The Chief Justice of India,

Supreme Court of India

One of the gains of the Covid pandemic was the acceptance of Virtual hearings by Courts. There are reports that there are some moves to stop this and insist on physical hearings in all cases. This would be a regressive move. The judicial delivery structure has used the hybrid system of Virtual Court operation very well. 

We should look at our learnings from the pandemic that hybrid hearings are completely feasible. The advantages are significant and must become a permanent feature. The obvious advantages are that:

1.     Most litigants are likely to opt to virtually watch the proceedings thereby saving a lot of time and expense.

2.     Many lawyers, specially from small towns and rural areas would be able to take up cases in different places without travelling and thus save a lot of time and expense.

This would also result in lesser crowding in courts.  The choice should be left to the litigants and lawyers to appear personally or virtually. There is no reason to decide or take any permissions. The choice should entirely be left to the participants. In some cases if physical presence of some participant is necessary it could be specifically ordered. 

We have the opportunity of making access to justice easier and the chance to reduce the disadvantage for litigants and lawyers owing to geography. This would really make access to justice cheaper and equal for all. Some lawyers’ bodies are opposing the hybrid hearings without mentioning any valid reason. 

As an Indian citizen concerned with a better judicial system I appeal to you to make this into a suo moto letter petition, give it an urgent hearing.