Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 28: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has streamlined virtual court proceedings by directing that video conferencing (VC) links for hearings be published in advance in the weekly causelist of both Jammu and Srinagar wings.
According to an order issued by Registrar General (Officiating) M K Sharma, the VC link for each Bench will now form part of the causelist, enabling advocates and litigants to appear online subject to the Bench’s permission. The order is accompanied by a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) laying down strict conditions for participation in online hearings.
The SOP requires advocates and parties-in-person opting for VC appearance to inform the Bench Secretary/Reader before 10 am on the hearing day. Participants must display their case item number, name, and specify representation for petitioner or respondent while joining.
The High Court has stressed that decorum in virtual hearings must mirror physical courtrooms. Prescribed dress code is mandatory, microphones and cameras are to remain off until the case is called, and recording or sharing of proceedings is strictly prohibited. Violators will be removed instantly and barred from rejoining.
The order further directs NIC coordinators to upload VC links on the High Court’s official website (http://jkhc.gov.in/dis) along with causelists, ensuring easier access and wider circulation among lawyers and litigants across both wings.
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