Delhi High Court seeks status report from subordinate courts on present functioning, infrastructure for hybrid hearings

The Delhi High Court has called for a status report with respect to the current manner of functioning of subordinate courts in the city and whether or not adequate infrastructure is available to them for holding hybrid hearings (Anil Kumar vs Hon'ble High Court of Delhi)..A single-judge Bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh directed the Registrar General of the High Court to obtain detailed status reports from each of the District & Sessions Judges on the following points:- The manner in which hearings were conducted prior to 14th January, 2021; - Availability of internet connectivity and devices to the Judicial Officers, both in Court premises as also their residences;- Whether it is feasible to hold hybrid hearings and if so, if the necessary infrastructure in terms of broadband internet connectivity, computers/laptops with cameras etc., are available..Status reports should be filed on an urgent basis before the next date of hearing i.e February 26, the Court added. .The order was passed in a petition by practicing lawyers who are all senior citizens..The petitioners sought a direction that hybrid hearings be held on physical hearing days for counsel who suffer from co-morbidities and are unable to appear before the court due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic..The Court was informed that from January 14, 2021, subordinate courts have been sitting physically on alternate days and some were even holding hybrid hearings. .However, a number of courts are not holding hearings due to various reasons, including lack of infrastructure, bad internet connectivity..Due to non-appearance, some courts have also been passing adverse orders, it was added..Counsel for the Delhi High Court submitted that several judicial officers have been adapting to the new scheme and holding physical/virtual court but lawyers were having difficulties as the network and internet facility..Before passing any orders in the matter, the Court opined that it is necessary to call for a status report on this aspect. .Considering the nature of the matter, the Court also impleaded Delhi government as a party and issued notice. .Advocates Atul Nagarajan, Anant Kumar Hajelay, Devendra Verma, Shreya Arneja, Rajat Gautam appeared for the petitioners. .Advocate Saurabh Bannerjee appeared for Delhi High Court..[Read Order]