In an uncommon development in the Supreme Court, a Bench of Justice Ajay Rastogi and Justice CT Ravikumar on February 16, stopped the virtual hearing link to Courtroom 5 after seeing that lawyers are exploiting the technology. 

A lawyer requested a pass-over in a case a few minutes after the court began hearing the cases listed on the cause list, claiming that his senior was preoccupied before Court No. 1. 

The lawyer informed the court that his senior was prepared to attend and present the case virtually when the item was called out once more.

The advocate retorted that he was preoccupied with a Consumer Court special bench hearing that had started at 9:30 am. 

The court stated that it was clearly incensed by the response. "Close it (VC hearing link) down. We are granting this facility to lawyers; they are misusing it!".

The VC link to the court proceedings was shut down shortly after that. 

Currently, the Supreme Court operates under a hybrid system, allowing plaintiffs and attorneys to appear in person or remotely. 

The current development occurs after Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stressed the value of holding virtual hearings a few days ago. The CJI Chandrachud has emphasised the significance of virtual hearings in promoting access to justice. CJI Chandrachud has been a strong advocate for the use of technology in the judiciary.

“Whether you are pro-technology or not, all Chief Justices of High Courts need to learn that technology is to be used," during a hearing recently, the CJI said. 

The CJI emphasised that judges cannot demand that lawyers appear in person just by stating that the latter are attending court. A petition asking for the inclusion of virtual hearings as a basic right was being heard by the CJI Bench.