In a move to streamline legal proceedings and adapt to the digital age, the Supreme Court has prompted the Registrar General of the Allahabad High Court to institute e-filing capabilities across all District Courts in Uttar Pradesh. The court emphasized the need for a hybrid hearing system, blending virtual appearances with traditional court settings, within the jurisdiction of the Western UP District Courts, in alignment with Allahabad High Court Rules dating back to 1952.
The genesis of this directive stems from a writ petition filed under Article 32, challenging a prior communication issued by the Registrar General on October 28, 2023. This communication had suspended directives issued on October 18, 2023, which aimed to enhance service accessibility for litigants and advocates through e-filing mechanisms at designated e-Sewa Kendras in District Courts.
The petitioner, represented by Mr. Pulkit Aggarwal and AOR Ansar Ahmad Chaudhary, underscored the plight of residents in Western Uttar Pradesh, lacking a permanent High Court bench since 1950. This absence, they argued, hindered access to justice. Previously, the Supreme Court had declined to entertain a similar writ petition but granted liberty to petitioners to engage with the Allahabad High Court Registrar General.
During proceedings, AOR Mr. K Parmeshwar, representing the Registrar General, referenced Rule 3A of the Court Rules of 1952, which delineates the prerequisites for advocates appearing before the High Court. He emphasized the necessity of compliance with these rules, particularly regarding the engagement of advocates for hybrid hearings.
In response, the bench, led by CJI DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, acknowledged the validity of the High Court Rules and urged the Registrar General to ensure their implementation within a fortnight.
The court’s decision marks a significant step towards modernizing legal processes, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and accessibility within the judicial system.
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