Chhattisgarh HC Bars Litigants, Parties From Carrying Mobile Phones, Electronic Devices Inside Courtrooms
In a notification issued earlier today, the Chhattisgarh High Court has barred litigants and parties from carrying mobile phones or any electronic devices inside the courtrooms, even in switched-off mode. The Court has also categorically prohibited any form of audio or video recording of the proceedings. The notification, issued by the orders of the Chief Justice, further warns that...
In a notification issued earlier today, the Chhattisgarh High Court has barred litigants and parties from carrying mobile phones or any electronic devices inside the courtrooms, even in switched-off mode. The Court has also categorically prohibited any form of audio or video recording of the proceedings.
The notification, issued by the orders of the Chief Justice, further warns that any violation of these instructions will attract appropriate action under the Chhattisgarh High Court (Live Streaming of Court Proceedings) Rules, 2022.
Importantly, the Advocates and their clerks have also been specifically urged to ensure that these directions are strictly followed.
The entire text of the notification is reproduced below:
"The Parties / Litigants, who wish to remain present in the Court Rooms during the proceedings of their cases, are hereby strictly directed not to carry Mobile Phones / Electronic Devices (even in the switched-off mode) and are further directed not to record any part of the Court proceedings. Non-compliance of the above directions shall invite appropriate action as per The Chhattisgarh High Court (Live Streaming of Court Proceedings) Rules, 2022. All the Advocates and their Clerks are also requested to ensure the strict adherence to the above directions"
Speaking to LiveLaw, the Registrar (Judicial) of the Chhattisgarh High Court stated that the notification was issued in light of recent instances where individuals carrying mobile phones disrupted court proceedings. To prevent such disturbances, the directive was deemed necessary. He further clarified that the restriction applies only to parties and litigants, and not to advocates or their clerks.