Courtroom Exchange chronicles those observations made by judges and lawyers in court that do not make it to official orders. A gallery view of wit, gravitas, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
This is taking place in most cases and people can't connect.Justice R Subhash Reddy
Echoing the sentiments expressed by Justice Nariman yesterday, the Bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, R Subhash Reddy and MR Shah criticised the manner in which video conferencing hearings are being interrupted.
When technical issues arose during the use of the VidyoConnect software for one of the hearings, Justice Shah asked,
"Ye kya naya system hain? (Is this a new system?)"
Justice Reddy added that technical issues were being faced in most cases and that people were finding it difficult to connect to the video link.
A lot of complaints coming to me that we are allowing only select counsels for mentioning. Unnecessary complaints are coming. Put request in email.CJI SA Bobde
Chief Justice of India SA Bobde said this in response to Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi mentioning a matter that was not listed for hearing today.
This observation comes a day after CJI Bobde said that the Court cannot meet the demand for video links to cater to mentioning for urgent listing of cases.
"Virtual hearing is the way. We do not want to become unpopular by shouting at every person."Justice SS Shinde
Justice Shinde of the Bombay High Court had a different opinion on how hearings were progressing when he expressed in lighter vein the benefits of video conference hearings from a judge’s perspective.
"We should be grateful to these heroes...We are using them more, but we are not honouring them in reciprocation. We lost so many doctors in the fight against COVID. Round the clock they work."Justice N Kirubakaran
Justice Kirubakaran of the Madras High Court paid homage to the COVID warriors fighting a thankless battle, in a matter concerning timely payment of salaries to doctors.
ASG is physically present in Court. That means COVID-19 situation has improved!Chief Justice Abhay Oka
Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court Abhay S Oka was delighted to see an Additional Solicitor General make a physical appearance before the Court amid the pandemic.
In the New Year, let us hope that that the Court is not required to deal with this petition at all.Chief Justice Abhay Oka
During the pandemic, courts across the country have had to keep tabs on how the authorities were keeping the virus in check. Chief Justice Oka expressed hope that come 2021, the Court would not have to deal with pleas underlining the lack of medical facilities for COVID-19 patients in hospitals.