Amid lockdown, HC eases norms for e-filing petitions

Saurabh Malik

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 13

In a reprieve of sorts to the litigants, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today did away with the practice of immediate filing of vakalatnamas and hardcopies of the petitions to facilitate the hearing of urgent cases through videoconferencing during the lockdown. Self-attestation of affidavits by the counsels appearing for the parties was also permitted.

The directions, just about a week after The Tribune underscored the problems faced by the lawyers and the litigants over filing of hardcopies and vakalatnamas, came as the High Court decided to continue to function in “restricted” mode in view of the Covid outbreak. Even the subordinate courts in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh were directed to function “restrictively”.

The High Court functionaries were also allowed to work from home with the condition of making themselves available as and when required. The orders would come in force after the court reopens following the Baisakhi break on April 15 and would remain in force till May 1 at least.

The administrative committee made it clear that the counsel or the party would be permitted to file petition on the High Court website with complete scanned copy of the paper book-petition, along with vakalatnama or power of attorney.

An undertaking would be taken from the counsel to file the paper book complete in all respects, including the requisite documents, affidavits, and duly signed vakalatnama or power of attorney in original within a week after the withdrawal of the lockdown.

“The court fee may be allowed to be paid online and the affidavit may be attested by the counsel holding the power of attorney and appearing in the case without requiring it to be attested from oath commissioner/notary public,” the High Court order read.

REPRIEVE TO LITIGANTS

• The court does away with the practice of immediate filing of vakalatnamas and hardcopies of the petitions to facilitate the hearing of urgent cases through videoconferencing
• Self-attestation of affidavits by the counsels appearing for the parties was also permitted