The Uttarakhand High Court has announced that every working Friday will be observed as a 'virtual hearing day,' with court proceedings conducted primarily through video conferencing. This initiative aims to conserve fuel and reduce the need for travel to Nainital, the court's location.
Official Memorandum Issued
The decision was communicated through an official office memorandum issued by the registrar general under the directions of the chief justice. The memorandum states, 'All Fridays on working court days shall be observed as virtual hearing days,' and adds that proceedings will, as far as possible, be conducted online.
Exceptions for Physical Appearance
Physical appearances on Fridays will be permitted only in exceptional cases. These include situations where advocates face technical difficulties in joining online proceedings or when lawyers and litigants can reach the court on foot.
Encouragement for Virtual Participation
The High Court has also advised advocates living outside Nainital, including those from Haldwani, Bhowali, and nearby areas, to 'participate in court proceedings virtually not only on Fridays but, wherever possible, on other working days also' instead of traveling to Nainital for hearings.
Sustainable Practices Recommended
Advocates, officials, and court staff residing within Nainital town have been urged to walk to the high court whenever feasible. Those commuting from outside areas have been advised to use car-pooling arrangements instead of separate private vehicles. The memorandum emphasizes that the initiative is aimed at reducing fuel consumption while ensuring that court work continues smoothly. It calls upon all stakeholders to cooperate in supporting the sustainable use of public resources.
This move is part of broader efforts to adopt environmentally friendly practices in the judiciary, reducing the carbon footprint associated with regular court operations.
