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

The case involves a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by an Advocate seeking the establishment of a permanent institutional mechanism for urgent hearings beyond regular court hours to protect fundamental rights. 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.

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.

• The Court disposed of the Writ Petition and any pending Interlocutory Application.
• 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.

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