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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court expressed concerns over the inadequate infrastructure in district courts and revived a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) aiming for the implementation of a hybrid system of hearing in subordinate judiciary and quasi-judicial bodies.

The bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna, permitted the restoration of the petition, which had been disposed of in January 2022, citing a lack of effective measures by the Delhi government to provide essential infrastructure for hybrid hearings.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by district courts, the bench highlighted instances where judges resorted to holding hybrid hearings using the mobile phones of court staff.

Justice Manmohan emphasized the significance of the issue, stating, "They (petitioners) have pointed out a very important thing, and we need to look into it."

The court directed officials to visit the courtroom of the district judge in Tis Hazari court premises, where a hybrid hearing setup has been established. The bench suggested using this as a model to be replicated in all other courts, setting a target for completion by March 31, 2024.

Central Project Coordinator Abhilash Malhotra informed the court that the Public Works Department (PWD) had submitted a project report on hybrid hearings, which the National Informatics Centre (NIC) had examined. However, progress had stalled, and the PWD was causing delays without a valid reason.

The court urged the Delhi government to take the necessary steps and report back with further developments. The high court's counsel cited a lack of infrastructure due to the government's failure to approve the funds required for the project.

The bench instructed the high court's counsel to submit an updated status report before January 11, the next scheduled hearing date.

The PIL, initially filed in 2021 by petitioner Anil Kumar Hajelay and others, sought directions to ensure adequate infrastructure for hybrid hearings in district courts and quasi-judicial bodies. Although the petition was disposed of in January 2022, citing ongoing government efforts, the applicants claimed that many fora still lacked the necessary facilities.

They filed an application asserting infrastructural deficiencies and sought the court's continued supervision to facilitate the effective implementation of the hybrid system effectively.

Case Title: Anil Kumar Hajelay & Ors v. Honble High Court of Delhi