The Jammu and Kashmir High Court while hearing a habeas corpus petition through video conferencing challenging the detention of the President of Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association adjourned the hearing on account of poor connectivity. The petitioner Mian Abdul Qayoom had filed an appeal against the order of the single Judge refusing his plea.
The bench comprising Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul & Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey observed that “we, while sitting at two different places through Video Conferencing, faced great difficulty in the process of hearing the matter via Video Conferencing. Despite that being the position, we were continuing hear the parties, but Mr B. A. Dar, learned Senior Additional Advocate General, got disconnected on account of poor connectivity.”
B A Dar, Senior AAG, representing the Union Territory owing to the difficulty faced during video conferencing sought ten day’s time to file his reply.
The bench having concern of the difficulty faced by the parties on account of the non-availability of proper video conferencing facility but at the same time being aware of the fact that the case ought to have been heard, listed the matter for next hearing on May 18.
The bench further directed the Registrar of the High Court to ensure that all arrangements are put in place in advance with reference to ensuring effective hearing of the case by providing the necessary link to all the parties appearing in the case so that the submissions made by a particular counsel are clearly recorded not just by the Bench but also by the rest of the appearing counsel.
-India Legal Bureau