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🇮🇳 India /Crime & Justice

SC tightens rules for litigants-in-person after courtroom chaos

From Hindustan Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • The Supreme Court of India has implemented new rules for litigants appearing in person following a disruptive incident in court.
  • Parties-in-person will now be encouraged to appear virtually, and those choosing physical appearance will not have their proceedings live-streamed or video-recorded.
  • The court also resolved to address judicial arrears by identifying and listing approximately 100 bunch matters for out-of-turn hearing, aiming to dispose of around 9,177 pending cases.

The Supreme Court of India has introduced new regulations for individuals representing themselves in court, aiming to restore order after a recent disruption. In a full court meeting, judges decided that litigants-in-person will generally be encouraged to use virtual appearances. Those who insist on appearing physically will have their court proceedings excluded from live streaming and video recording.

This measure seeks to maintain courtroom decorum and prevent disruptive incidents from gaining wider attention through public broadcasts. The decision follows a notable incident on July 10, where a petitioner-in-person allegedly hurled papers, used abusive language, and disrupted proceedings in Court No. 13. The petitioner was later arrested along with another law student.

In a separate move to tackle the backlog of cases, the Supreme Court also announced plans to identify and list about 100 bunch matters ready for final hearing. This initiative is expected to lead to the closure of approximately 9,177 pending cases, with these matters being scheduled for out-of-turn hearings before appropriate benches.

no live-streaming shall be done and video-recording of the proceedings shall also not be permitted

— Supreme Court Official StatementDescribing the new rule for litigants insisting on physical appearance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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