Delhi HC Orders Virtual Courts Amid CJP Protest
Due to planned CJP protests, Delhi High Court orders virtual proceedings at Patiala House and Rouse Avenue courts this Saturday.
In a significant move to ensure judicial continuity amidst anticipated unrest, the Delhi High Court has directed that all proceedings at the Patiala House and Rouse Avenue court complexes be conducted entirely through virtual courts this Saturday, October 10.
The decision comes as a precautionary measure ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar. The group, led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, intends to march through Delhi to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged irregularities in electoral processes and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Judicial Operations and Court Status
While the Patiala House and Rouse Avenue complexes will shift to a fully virtual model, it is important to note that all seven district court complexes across the national capital will remain open. To accommodate the potential disruption, the High Court has issued specific guidelines to maintain the legal process:
- Virtual Presence: Judicial officers at the two affected complexes who are unable to physically reach their courts are permitted to conduct proceedings online.
- Undertrials: All undertrial prisoners are to be produced via virtual mode only, ensuring safety and continuity.
- Protection of Litigants: The court has mandated that no adverse orders shall be passed against litigants, advocates, witnesses, or accused persons due to their non-appearance.
- Urgent Matters: Any urgent matters scheduled for the day are to be adjourned to a later date.
The official notification regarding these measures was issued by the High Court's General Administration-I Branch and signed by Registrar General Reetesh Singh.
Protest Details: CJP Demands Resignation
The CJP's demonstration is centered on grievances regarding the integrity of electoral exercises. Despite the planned march, the party has maintained that the demonstration will be peaceful. However, the High Court's decision to move key court complexes to a virtual platform highlights the judicial system's readiness to adapt to security and logistical challenges during public demonstrations in the capital.