The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought the response of the Allahabad High Court Registrar General on a plea challenging the latter's decision to defer setting up of E-Seva Kendras in district courts of Uttar Pradesh (UP) [Md Anas Chaudhary vs Registrar General High Court of Judicature at Allahabad].A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra issued notice and listed the matter for hearing after four weeks.The public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by advocate Ansar Ahmad Chaudhary raised grievance against a letter by the Registrar of the High Court dated November 28, 2023 effectively putting in abeyance the setting up of such kendras in district courts in UP.The plea said that the absence of the technology assistance kiosks has made it difficult for lawyers of Western UP to electronically file and appear in their cases.The petitioner also stated that the Registrar's move came at the behest of the High Court Bar Association.The plea besides challenging the decision on e-seva kendras also prayed that cases before the Allahabad High Court from Western UP be taken up via hybrid mode.
The Supreme Court had in March 2023 directed the setting up of comprehensive E-Seva Kendras at Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) across the country. CJI Chandrachud had in October expressed strong disapproval over judges at the Bombay High Court doing away with video conference (virtual) hearings or hybrid mode hearings.
TAGS: Allahabad High Court Supreme Court E-Seva Kendras Uttar Pradesh
