Plea filed in Bombay High Court to mandate use of A4-size paper for pleadings in Maharashtra courts

A petition has been filed before the Bombay High Court seeking directions to make use of A4 size paper printed on both sides, mandatory for filing all pleadings in the High Court and all subordinate courts in Maharashtra (Ajinkya Mohan Udane v. Registrar General, Bombay High Court)..The petition filed by advocate Ajinkya Mohan Udane said that use of A4 size paper will help save huge amount of paper and storage space and will, therefore, save large number of trees thus aiding in protection of environment and wildlife. ."Use of A4 size paper with printing on both sides instead of foolscap/ legal sized paper with single side being printed is indispensable for the environment. The rational usage of paper has a direct relation with the saving of cutting of trees, conservation of forest and water resources and protection of environment, wildlife and human life," the plea said. .In this regard, reliance was placed on Article 48A which exhorts State to protect and improve environment and safeguard forests and wildlife. .The petition also cited Article 51A(g) which makes it a duty of every citizen to protect and improve natural environment. .A similar plea was filed earlier in October 20, 2020, with identical prayers by Advocate Sujay Joshi. While appreciating that the plea filed, the Court directed the petitioner to approach the administrative side. .Consequently, Joshi had withdrawn the plea and filed a representation before the Registrar General. Interestingly, the petitioner in this case, advocates Udane along with advocate Ranjit Shinde had appeared for Joshi in that case and had made a representation to the Registrar on December 12, 2020 as per the Court's directions. .Since they did not receive any response to the representation, Udane approached the High Court with the present plea..The plea also sought directions to the appropriate authority to make amendments in the Bombay High Court (Appellate Side) Rules, 1960 and Bombay High Court (Original Side) Rules, 1980 so as to implement the use of A4 paper printed on both sides..They further apprised the Court about notifications and directions issued by different High Courts in the country which allowed filings in A4 size paper printed on both sides. The case of Himachal Pradesh, Tripura, Kerala, Karnataka and Kolkata High Courts were highlighted in this regard. .[Read Petition].[Read order in earlier plea]