In October 2023, the Supreme Court ordered the implementation of a hybrid mode of hearing. (Deposit)

New Delhi,:

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to introduce hybrid hearings in family courts across the country.

A bench, headed by CJI DY Chandrachud, agreed to examine and sought answers from the Centre, states and Union Territories.

“Issue an opinion, returnable in six weeks,” ordered the bench, also comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

The plea, filed by advocate KC Jain, says the Family Courts Act was enacted with an aim to ensure speedy resolution of family disputes, but over 11,00,000 cases remain pending in courts family across the country.

“Significant delays in the settlement of cases, particularly in matters of alimony, child custody, visiting rights, restitution of marital rights and divorce, exacerbate the emotional and financial pressure on litigants, particularly women. and children,” the PIL said.

He also said that adoption of electronic mode of hearing in family courts would not only address the geographical and logistical challenges faced by litigants, especially in inter-city and state marriages, but would ensure also that justice is delivered quickly and efficiently.

The petition also highlighted the need for a centralized reporting and monitoring system for family court cases, which would track the type of case, the law under which it is filed and the time taken to its processing, thereby enabling data-driven policy interventions and more. effective management of family court resources.

In October last year, the Supreme Court ordered the implementation of a hybrid mode of hearing in high courts and tribunals under all ministries of the Union government. Similarly, it had issued directions for virtual hearings in the state information commissions established under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2006.

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