Demand for use of double-side printed A4 paper in court work requires serious consideration on administrative side: Allahabad HC

The Allahabad High Court on Monday disposed of a plea that sought the use of A4 sheets, printed on both sides for judicial and administrative work in Court (Saumitra Anand and 4 Others v. Registrar General High Court Of Judicature at Allahabad and 2 Others).

However, while disposing of the plea, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Govind Mathur and Justice Ramesh Sinha, observed:

The petitioners had, however, not applied to the High Court registry with a representation seeking the use of A4 sheets for Court work.

Highlighting this, the Court iterated that a writ of mandamus requires making a request to the public authority tasked with performing a certain duty prior to moving the Court.

Citing this as a reason, the Court held that its interference was unwarranted for the present and disposed of the writ petition.

It was clarified that the petitioners were at liberty to approach the Court Registry and with a demand notice.

If this effort yields no positive response, the High Court could be approached for a writ-remedy under Article 226 of the Constitution, the Court further stated.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court had approved the use of double-side-printed A4 sheets for Court filings. Shortly after, the Calcutta and Tripura High Courts followed suit. The Gujarat and Delhi High Courts are also considering a shift to using A4-sized sheets, printed on both sides, in the interest of the environment.

Advocates Ankur Azad and Shashwat Anand argued for the petitioners in the matter before the Allahabad High Court, while standing counsel, Advocate Ashish Mishra appeared for the Court Registry.

Read the Order here: