] P. Valliappan Mhc Avt: *No more hearings through VC – Appears to be a knee jerk reaction !* Just one bad incident, not concerning all lawyers and premeditation has led this to this unilateral decision.
[12/28, 13:33] P. Valliappan Mhc Avt: *No more hearings through VC – Appears to be a knee jerk reaction !*
Just one bad incident, not concerning all lawyers and premeditation has led this to this unilateral decision.
The advantages of VC far outweigh it’s disadvantages. When the Bar was not ready, Bench insisted on VC in 2020. When the Bar has accepted, the Bench has withdrawn VC in a hurry in 2021. Omicron has just arrived in India. We are still not sure of its impact.
COVID or no COVID, VC could have continued. Contrary to what we felt in 2020, hearings through VC is not akin to a Doctor examining his patient. VC hearings before quality judges were very effective. To my knowledge, disposal was higher in VC and it could even be 200% if statistics are considered.
Once we used to wait from 4.00 am in reservation counters for reserving train tickets – now we do it online, anytime we wish. We used to spend hours shopping – now we have Big Basket, Big Bazaar, etc for online shopping. We used to go to restuarants to eat and buy food – now we do both through Swiggy, Dunzo, Zomato, etc. We used to wait for hours in Banks for drawing or depositing or transferring money – now everything is done within minutes by using the smartphone. We used to see new movies only in theaters – now we have Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hotstar, Zee, etc. We buy medicine, consult doctors too, buy anything and everything online. The list is endless.
Due to online hearings, hardworking lawyers saved time, used less petrol, travelled less, office hours turned productive, spent time with respective families, Courts were not overcrowded (insufficient chambers, is whose concern).
Earlier there were lesser number of judges and physical hearings were the only way. With 200% increase in judges, VC is the way. If it was difficult for the judges to hear through VC with such excellent facilities in Court, it was no different for the lawyers with their outdated laptops and basic smartphones(it is the case with the majority).
We talk about women empowerment. Lady Advocates with kids could attend VC hearings and still be with families.
An Advocate from Kanyakumari could appear before the Madurai Bench or the Principal Bench of Madras High Court through VC, being at his hometown. Similarly an Advocate from Madras could appear before Supreme Court, by sitting in his own office. VC is cost effective for clients in such cases. Star Advocates appeared in different Courts in different States, due to VC.
Legal size paper has been replaced by A4 sheets, to prevent ecological destruction. Governments in five big States have been directed by the Supreme Court to ensure 100% online filing from 01.01.2022, so as to facilitate digitalised hearings. In such circumstances, could complete withdrawal of VC be a step in the right direction ?
We have to keep pondering !
*P.Valliappan*
[12/28, 13:33] Sekarreporter 1: 🙏🏼
