Counsel, you are on mute: The world of virtual courts
India’s courts expanded virtual hearings, e-filing, and hybrid proceedings during the pandemic, and the format has remained part of judicial administration.
AI generated- Indian courts moved from predominantly physical hearings to digital and hybrid hearing formats during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Virtual courts use video conferencing, e-filing, online case management, and hybrid hearings to conduct or support proceedings.
- Judges, lawyers, and litigants have had to adapt to new technology, workflows, and digital etiquette in remote hearings.
- Rural and elderly litigants can face difficulties in virtual court participation because of device and connectivity constraints.
What happened
India’s judiciary expanded virtual courts during the pandemic, moving hearings from physical courtrooms to video conferencing, e-filing, online case management, and hybrid hearings. The system began as an emergency measure for continuity during lockdowns, but it became a lasting part of judicial work.
The illustrated feature says the digital shift changed courtroom practice, judicial workflow, and legal etiquette. It presents virtual courts as a broader modernization of the justice system, not a temporary stopgap.
UPSC may examine how virtual courts improved continuity and efficiency while raising concerns about digital divide, procedural fairness, and equal participation in hearings.
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