The Advocates Association of the Jharkhand High Court has formally requested the Chief Justice to introduce virtual court proceedings in response to the acute fuel shortage gripping the state capital. In a letter addressed to Chief Justice M.S. Sonak on Friday, the association highlighted the severe difficulties faced by lawyers and litigants due to the scarcity of petrol and diesel, which has led to long queues at fuel stations and disrupted daily life.
Fuel Scarcity Disrupts Legal Operations
The association emphasized that the ongoing fuel crisis has made it challenging for legal professionals to commute to the court regularly. Many advocates are spending hours waiting in line for fuel, resulting in missed court appearances and delays in legal proceedings. The letter urged the Chief Justice to consider implementing virtual court sessions to ensure the smooth functioning of the judiciary without compromising the safety and convenience of all stakeholders.
Supreme Court Precedent
The request aligns with a recent directive from the Supreme Court of India, which has mandated the conduct of virtual court hearings every Monday and Friday. This move aims to reduce physical crowding in courtrooms and promote the use of technology to maintain judicial efficiency. The Jharkhand High Court bar association believes that adopting a similar approach would mitigate the impact of the fuel crisis while ensuring access to justice.
The Advocates Association also noted that virtual courts have proven effective during the COVID-19 pandemic and could be seamlessly integrated into the current system. They called for an urgent meeting of the court's administrative committee to discuss the logistics and implementation of virtual hearings, including the necessary infrastructure and technical support.
As the fuel situation in Ranchi remains critical, with no immediate relief in sight, the legal community hopes that the Chief Justice will consider their plea and take swift action to prevent further disruption to the judicial process.
