Calling the hybrid system a great facility, which would go a long way in strengthening the justice delivery system by saving resources, the Supreme Court has suggested all courts across the country to provide the option of virtual presence to all stakeholders.
The Bench of Justice S.K. Kaul and Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka made these observations on Wednesday, while hearing an election petition on recounting of votes in a 2016 election to the Radhapuram Assembly Constituency, filed by former MLA Inbadurai.
The Apex Court adjourned hearing in the case, stating that it had ‘better’ matters to hear.
It observed that matters from all over the country were listed before the Supreme Court for hearing. In such a situation, it could be an expensive affair for a person coming from the eastern or southern part of the country.
The Bench then suggested the courts to keep the option of virtual hearing open, besides advocating for the establishment of regional benches of the Apex Court.
It further observed that during the initial hearings, a notice could be issued in around 25 percent of these cases. The first hearing could be taken up virtually.
If the need arose, the litigants had the option to remain present physically on the next hearing, it added.
Though some people may not like the system, but virtual hearing would lead to strengthening of justice delivery system in all forums, noted the top court of the country.