Hybrid hearings in District Courts: Delhi High Court orders prompt decision on financial estimate for required equipment

The Delhi High Court recently directed the Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi government to prepare an estimate of funds needed for hybrid hearing equipment required in district courts of Delhi within ten days [Anil Kumar Hajelay & Ors v. Honble High Court of Delhi]..The division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora further directed the Finance Department of Delhi government to take a decision within four weeks once the estimate is submitted to it. “Let the fresh status report be filed before the next date of hearing,” ordered the Court..The Court passed the directions in a petition filed by a group of lawyers, who all are senior citizens, who seek the holding of hybrid hearings in the district courts of the national capital. Since 2021, the Delhi High Court has been monitoring the progress of steps taken to address infrastructural lacunae that has been hindering in the successful implementation of the hybrid system of hearings.Last month, the Court had asked the PWD to file a status report in the matter and also directed the Chief Engineer to remain personally present..On February 6, the Court was told the consultant appointed by the PWD has given a list of the equipment required to be made available in each courtroom and judges chamber.Advocate Amit George, representing the High Court, submitted that the equipment suggested by the consultant is the “bare minimum requirement” for the successful implementation of a hybrid hearing system in the court and that it must be provided by the PWD.When the Court asked the PWD Chief Engineer whether the requisite equipment can be provided forthwith to the district courts, he said that it can be done within six months after preparing an estimate and after obtaining financial approval from the Delhi High Court..Accordingly, the Court directed the PWD to prepare the estimate and forward the same to the Finance Department for a decision. The Court will hear the matter next on April 2. The Chief Engineer, PWD has been directed to join the proceedings online on that date..Advocate Anant Kumar Hajelay appeared along with petitioner, Anil Kumar HajelayAdvocates Dr. Amit George, Rayadurgam Bharat, Shashwat Kabi, Adhishwar Suri, Arkaneil Bhaumik and Piyo Harlod Jaimon represented the Delhi High CourtAdditional Standing Counsel Anuj Aggarwal and Advocates Arshya Singh, Aakash Dahiya and Siddhant Dutt represented the Delhi government .[Read Order]