Patna, Advocate Suman Kumari, Legal Correspondent, May 19th 2026: Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, the Patna High Court has become the first High Court in the country to officially announce and implement a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for conducting court proceedings through virtual mode during the ensuing summer vacation.
The move came in view of the declaration made by the Supreme Court of India and notifications issued by the Government of India. The initiative has been widely appreciated within legal circles as a progressive and timely step aimed at ensuring uninterrupted access to justice while adapting to evolving circumstances.
The successful implementation of virtual hearings has already produced significant results. According to official figures, nearly 900 cases were listed on May 18 and 19, 2026 before nine different Benches of the Patna High Court. Despite the transition to virtual proceedings, the Court maintained remarkable efficiency, disposing of 222 cases on the first day and 268 cases on the second day through online hearings.
Legal experts and members of the Bar have described the development as a major administrative achievement under the leadership of Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo. The smooth functioning of multiple virtual Benches simultaneously reflects the Court’s preparedness, technological adaptation, and strong institutional coordination.
The decision is being viewed as a landmark step in strengthening digital judicial infrastructure in India. By ensuring that judicial work continues during the summer vacation without disruption, the Patna High Court has reinforced public confidence in the justice delivery system.
Advocates have particularly welcomed the initiative, noting that virtual hearings reduce unnecessary travel, save time, and make court proceedings more accessible for litigants from distant districts of Bihar. Many lawyers believe the success of this model could encourage wider adoption of hybrid and technology-enabled court systems across the country.
Observers say the leadership of Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo has played a crucial role in modernizing the functioning of the Patna High Court. His emphasis on efficiency, accessibility, and technological integration has helped position the Court as a frontrunner in judicial innovation.
The seamless coordination among judges, registry officials, court staff, and technical teams during the virtual hearings has also drawn praise. Conducting hearings for such a large number of cases within two days through online mode is being seen as a strong example of administrative discipline and judicial commitment.
With this initiative, the Patna High Court has set an important precedent for other High Courts in India. The successful execution of virtual proceedings during the summer vacation demonstrates that judicial institutions can effectively balance traditional court functioning with modern technological solutions.
As courts across the country continue to explore ways to improve efficiency and accessibility, the Patna High Court’s virtual hearing model under Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo is likely to be regarded as a significant milestone in the ongoing modernization of India’s judiciary.
