Supreme Court dismisses PIL seeking urgent hearing mechanism, says e-filing allows anytime access

The Supreme Court disposed of the petition, stating that existing e-filing systems, virtual hearing infrastructure, and specific urgent listing procedures already address the petitioner's concerns.

Who it concerns: Petitioner: MAHERAVISH REIN (Advocate, appearing in-person); Respondents: Union of India & Ors.; Bench: Hon'ble The Chief Justice, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Hon'ble Mrs. Justice V. Mohana.

What the court decided

• The Court noted that e-filing and virtual hearing infrastructure allow access to courts at any hour without physical presence.
• The Court cited Circulars F. No. 20/Judl./2025 and F. No. 21/Judl./2025, which provide for priority listing of urgent liberty matters within two working days and a dedicated mechanism for exceptional urgency via Mentioning Officers.
• The Court highlighted the appointment of a designated Vacation Officer every month to handle urgent matters on Saturdays, holidays, and after hours.
• The Court stated that the Chief Justice of India and High Court Chief Justices remain open to receive urgent representations at any time.
• The Court directed that the petitioner or any stakeholder may make specific representations to the Registrar General(s) or Chief Justices regarding particular grievances experienced in practice.

Also in the document

• The Court agreed with the petitioner's concern that access to justice should not be limited by court hours but found the existing framework sufficient.
• The Court noted that Constitutional Courts have historically convened hearings at odd hours, late nights, and weekends when exigencies of justice required.
• The order was passed on 14-07-2026.