Patna, Advocate Suman Kumari, Legal Correspondent, May 16th 2026: In line with directions issued by the Supreme Court of India, the Patna High Court has announced that all hearings will be conducted exclusively through video conferencing from May 18 to June 4, 2026, as part of austerity measures introduced by the judiciary.
The High Court has issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlining the functioning of virtual courts during the period. According to the SOP, no physical hearings will take place on working days during this time. Judicial work, however, will continue even during the summer vacation.
Under the new arrangement, advocates will be allowed to appear freely through video conferencing facilities, while all fresh matters and filings must be submitted strictly in accordance with existing e-filing rules.
The High Court has also urged advocates and advocate clerks to minimize their physical presence inside the court premises to support the austerity initiative and reduce unnecessary movement.
As per the SOP, links for virtual court proceedings will be made available along with the daily cause list on the official website of the Patna High Court. Advocates participating in virtual hearings have been directed to join proceedings from a quiet location with stable internet connectivity and in proper professional attire.
The court has further instructed participants to keep mobile phones switched off or on airplane mode during proceedings. Recording of court proceedings without prior permission of the court has been strictly prohibited.
Importantly, the High Court clarified that hearings conducted through video conferencing will be treated as complete judicial proceedings with full legal sanctity.
The court administration has appealed to all stakeholders — including advocates, litigants, officers, and staff members — to strictly follow the SOP to ensure smooth functioning of virtual hearings and maintain the dignity of judicial proceedings.
The move comes following a communication issued by the Supreme Court on May 15th 2026, regarding implementation of austerity measures across courts.
