On Monday, the Supreme Court issued a notice regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) that calls for the implementation of hybrid hearings in family courts nationwide.

A division bench of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud agreed to review the matter and seeks from the Centre, as well as from the states and Union Territories.

"Issue notice, returnable in six weeks,"

The petition, submitted by advocate K.C. Jain, noted that the Family Courts Act was established to facilitate the swift resolution of family disputes; however, more than 1.1 million cases are currently pending in family courts throughout the country.

The petition further emphasized that implementing electronic hearings in family courts would help overcome geographical and logistical challenges encountered by litigants, especially those involved in cross-city or cross-state marriages. This shift would ensure timely and efficient delivery of justice.

Additionally, the petition called for a centralized reporting and monitoring system for family court cases. Such a system would track the type of cases, the relevant statutes under which they are filed, and the time taken for resolution. This would enable data-driven policy interventions and facilitate better management of family court resources.

Last year, the Supreme Court mandated the adoption of a hybrid hearing model for High Courts and Tribunals functioning under all Union Government Ministries. Likewise, it issued directives for virtual hearings in State Information Commissions established under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2006.

"The significant delays in case disposal, particularly in matters of maintenance, child custody, visitation rights, restitution of conjugal rights, and divorce, are exacerbating the emotional and financial strain on litigants, particularly women and children," said the PIL.