Thread by @barandbench

#SupremeCourt to hear a plea seeking to declare access to #virtualcourts as a fundamental right. The plea which was a challenge to Uttarakhand HC decision to have physical hearings now has intervention applications from ex top cop Julio Ribeiro & former CIC Shailesh Gandhi

#SupremeCourt: Have you see the SOP from last night? We'll have to set aside that also.

Senior Advocate Manoj Swarup, for the Petitioners: I am aware, Milord. This is to submit that Hybrid Mode be kept open for access to justice.

#VirtualCourt #SupremeCourt

Sr Adv Swarup: This is the citizen's voice.

#SupremeCourt: It is one thing to say that there should be a telecast of Court proceedings, its another thing to say that these institutions should be shut down due to fundamental rights.

#VirtualCourt

#SupremeCourt: For the past few months, we've made it optional- given an option, people are very comfortable in the confines of their offices.

Sr Adv: This is not for the lawyers at all.

J. Rao: This is for the litigants as well.

#VirtualCourt

#SupremeCourt: If there is a happy option, so that lawyers can appear from Mussorie and Goa?

Sr Adv Swarup: No, please dont take this from the lawyers POV.

#VirtualCourt

J. Rao: Even citizens asking that #VirtualCourt protects their right is not reasonable.

They want access to justice. They can get this by sitting in their homes and watching the proceedings.

#SupremeCourt

Sr. Adv. Swarup: There is another dimension, what if the citizen wants to access the justice himself?

J. Rao: How many parties in person do we have?

Sr. Adv. Swarup: The access becomes more cost effective also.. Let me read one judgment for access to justice.

#SupremeCourt

There are seven judgments from the last few years that indicate to this effect.

Those who are in remote areas, and poverty strucken will have access, submits Swarup.

J. Rao: Have you collected any data to this effect, that how many people from such areas come to the #SupremeCourt?

It is very difficult to citizens to approach the Top Court.

#virtualcourt

Sr. Adv. Swarup: I am not at all saying we stop physical hearing. I am just saying please keep hybrid hearing open.

J. Rao: There are many difficulties. we tried this. One lawyer is arguing in court, one from his office. There are problems from our side and the lawyers.

J. Rao: When Mr. Manoj Swarup is here in Court and he makes submissiobs looking into our eyes, its better.

We are really in a quandry as to how physical hearing will start. Because we have tried Hybrid, but people are not coming.

#SupremeCourt #VirtualCourt

#SupremeCourt: You submit your suggestions on the next date as to how this can be taken up and we'll see.

Sr. Adv. Swarup: Okay, Milord. Can we make it returnable in 4 weeks.

Court: Yes, returnable in 4 weeks.

#VirtualCourt