Gujarat HC Issues Revised SOP for Online Hearings, Adds Virtual Waiting Room

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court, in its revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for virtual hearings, has introduced an online waiting room facility for all participants joining court proceedings remotely.

The updated SOP emphasises that participants must maintain decorum appropriate to the dignity of the court. They are expected to behave in a disciplined manner, join from locations with a decent setting — not from vehicles — and ensure a quiet environment with stable internet. The court has warned that failure to follow these directions could lead to contempt proceedings.

This move follows a June 30 incident during suo motu contempt proceedings where a participant attended a hearing while seated on a toilet.

Under the new guidelines, participants must display their names clearly to enable the Court Master to verify them against the cause list before granting access. If the presence of litigants or others is needed during proceedings, they may be admitted as instructed by the court.

Advocates must be in professional attire; failure to do so could result in withdrawal of the right to address the court. Mobile phones, except those used for the hearing, must be switched off or set to airplane mode. Participants may log in from offices, residences, or conference rooms, but not from vehicles. DeshGujarat