The Supreme Court has issued a circular on Friday, warning to Advocates-on-Record (AORs) and in-person petitioners against violation of Standard Operating Procedure and sharing of video conference links to virtual court hearings in an unauthorised manner.
The court issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) with regard to the Virtual Hearings on 4th July, 2020. Only two appearance links and one viewing link are provided to each litigating party as per the SOP. And sharing of screen is prohibited by the court unless permission is granted.
If the rules laid down by the Court with regard to sharing of links are violated any further, the Court has cautioned concerned AoRs and in-person parties of adverse consequences.
“However, it has been observed that the Advocates-on-Records are sharing the links, provided to them for video conferencing, with more than two advocates to appear before the Court during the course of proceeding. It has also been observed that Ld. Advocates are addressing the Court in the matters not listed for hearing on that day,” the circular stated.
“Such sharing of Video Conference links or sharing of screen, is violative of the SOP, unauthorised, and creates hindrance in the proceedings of the Court” the court noted.
The Court further stated ,“Therefore, it is hereby reiterated to all the Advocates-on-Record, parties-in-person, and all other concerned, that in future there should not be unauthorised sharing of link/ screen without permission of the court, for the hearing of a matter through Video Conferencing mode in violation of the July 4 SOP. Any breach or violation of above directions in future may invite adverse consequences against the Advocate-on-Record/party-in-person, or any other concerned person responsible for the above said violation,”
