Home / Crime and Justice / Madras HC Pauses E-Filing Rule After Bar Uproar
Madras HC Pauses E-Filing Rule After Bar Uproar
7 Jan
Summary
- Madras High Court suspended mandatory e-filing until further notice.
- Lawyers protested, citing technical barriers and constitutional rights.
- The court seeks dialogue, pausing the rule during Pongal holidays.
The Madras High Court has put on hold its mandatory e-filing notification for the subordinate judiciary, responding to significant protests and court boycotts by lawyers across the state. This decision was made after the Madras High Court Advocates Association filed a petition seeking the withdrawal of the rule, emphasizing the need for a hybrid filing system.
The advocates argued that the e-filing-only rule created divisions among legal professionals and violated constitutional rights, particularly Article 14. They highlighted that many lawyers, especially those from rural areas and economically weaker sections, lacked the necessary infrastructure and technical skills, hindering access to justice for litigants.
The first bench of the High Court observed that the issue could be resolved through dialogue and has temporarily suspended the notification. The court has encouraged open communication channels to address the concerns and has adjourned further hearings until after the Pongal holidays, aiming for an amicable resolution.
