The High Court of Gujarat on Tuesday initiated hybrid mode of functioning as a pilot project.
Combining both virtual and physical hearings, the hybrid model would allow the litigants and lawyers to participate in court proceedings either online through video-conferencing or by attending the courtroom physically.
The hybrid mode would provide ease and better flexibility for both the litigants and the lawyers.
As per a circular issued by the High Court, only the matters listed on Thursday can be opted for hybrid hearing before the Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice A.J. Desai and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi for now.
The litigants can opt for hybrid hearing by clicking on the online option available on case status page on official website of the Gujarat High Court latest by 10 am on the day when the matter is listed.
The lawyers and parties in the case can inform the registry about their preference to opt for online hearing once the matter to be listed on Thursdays is released. If any other senior advocate or advocate wishes to remain present via video-conferencing, the same should also be brought to the notice of the court, noted the circular.
The Gujarat High Court (Live Streaming of Court Proceedings) Rules, 2021 will be applicable on hybrid hearing.
Once the pilot project of hybrid mode of hearing succeeds, the other benches will also be included to hear the matter in online mode, it added.
The High Court of Manipur also commenced hybrid hearing of court proceedings from June 6 this year. The Computer Committee of the concerned court was also working to establish the hybrid mode of working in district courts in Manipur.
Keywords: Gujarat High Court, hybrid mode, Acting Chief Justice A.J. Desai, Justice Vipul M. Pancholi