Kerala High Court Advocates Association calls emergent meeting to "discuss" e-filing as Kerala High Court organizes training session

The Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA) has convened an Urgent Extraordinary General Body meeting to discuss the e-filing system in place at the Kerala High Court. .This, perhaps coincidentally, comes on the same day that the High Court has organised a training session of its e-filing system for lawyers practicing before the Court.While speaking to Bar and Bench, an officer of the High Court IT Department confirmed that after the session for lawyers which will be held today, another meeting will be held to train Government Pleaders in December itself. .The KHCAA has been consistent in its opposition to the Electronic Filing Rules for Courts (Kerala) 2021 (E-filing rules) introduced by the High Court to regulate the online electronic filing system and facilities which are provided for electronic filing in the High Court.The e-filing rules had stoked controversy with various sections of the Bar, including the KHCAA and the Bar Council of Kerala registering protests against the same and threatening to boycott the rules.Subsequently, the Bar Council of India had also addressed a letter to the Chief Justice of Kerala High Court, Justice S Manikumar, urging that the High Court administration reconsider the new rules.On May 16, 2021, they had called for the deferment of the implementation of the E-filing rules with the KHCAA deciding to boycott the rules following a general body meeting held the same day.It was also decided that all training programmes related to e-filing would be boycotted.In a letter dated June 4, 2021, the Chairman of the Bar Council of Kerala, Joseph John, and the President of the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association, Advocate Thomas Abraham had written to the Chief Justice of India, NV Ramana and to the Chief Justice of Kerala, S Manikumar, requesting that orders be passed for the immediate suspension of the electronic filing system in the Kerala High Court.The High Court later modified the e-filing rules. However, in July 2021, the Association issued a notice cautioning members of disciplinary proceedings if they resort to filing of cases via e-filing mode..The KHCAA have also been vocal in their opposition of virtual hearings, going so far as to organise a protest meet against the non-resumption of physical hearings at the High Court and subordinate courts in the State.Physical hearings resumed at the Court on November 22, 2021. However, lawyers and litigants are still able to opt for virtual hearings if they wish to.