In view of the prevailing fuel and energy shortage, the Jharkhand High Court has ordered all subordinate courts across the state to immediately switch to a hybrid mode of functioning. Under the new system, court proceedings, including hearings and recording of witness statements, may be conducted through video conferencing to ensure that judicial work continues smoothly without disruption.
The order has been communicated to all Principal District and Sessions Judges, along with the Judicial Commissioner of Ranchi, directing them to introduce hybrid functioning in courts and arrange carpooling facilities for judicial officers and court employees.
The High Court has also appealed to advocates, litigants, and witnesses to actively participate in the digital mode of proceedings. As part of fuel-saving measures, judicial officers and staff members have been instructed to share vehicles and adopt carpooling arrangements while travelling to and from courts.
Registrar General Satyaprakash Sinha, through an official communication sent to district courts across the state, stated that the decision has been taken in light of the ongoing energy crisis. He noted that the initiative follows the instructions of Chief Justice MS Sonak.
The High Court itself is presently on summer vacation and is scheduled to reopen on June 8. After reopening, proceedings at the High Court will also continue in hybrid mode, the Registrar General informed.
The communication further stressed that all virtual hearings must strictly comply with the rules, standard operating procedures, and guidelines already prescribed by the Jharkhand High Court for online proceedings.
Earlier, a group of advocates had urged the court administration to conduct hearings online due to the worsening fuel situation in the state. Several petrol pumps in Jharkhand have reportedly run out of fuel and remained shut in recent days amid the global energy crisis.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal encouraging work-from-home practices, the High Court observed that online hearings would be a practical step under the current circumstances.
The court administration has also emphasised the need to promote digital participation among lawyers, litigants, and witnesses to ensure uninterrupted judicial services during the crisis.
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