CJI Sanjiv Khanna Declines Full Virtual Functioning of Courts

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has declined requests from senior lawyers for the Supreme Court to switch to a fully virtual mode of functioning. Instead, he reiterated the existing hybrid model that allows lawyers the option to appear virtually if needed.

The plea for complete virtual hearings came from prominent members of the legal fraternity, including Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who is also the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, and Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan. They emphasized the necessity of broader virtual access to enhance convenience and inclusivity.

CJI Khanna acknowledged the suggestion but stressed that the hybrid system strikes a balance. "Judges are already being encouraged to conduct virtual hearings wherever feasible," he noted, highlighting the flexibility offered by the current arrangement.

The move comes as the judiciary navigates evolving demands for accessibility and efficiency, especially in a post-pandemic landscape. While the hybrid model remains in place, the request for fully virtual proceedings reflects ongoing conversations about adapting court procedures to modern technological possibilities.

The debate underscores a critical dialogue on how to integrate digital tools into the judicial system without compromising the essence of in-person deliberations. As legal professionals continue to advocate for seamless virtual options, the judiciary faces the challenge of balancing tradition with innovation.