Delhi courts shift to online mode amid Jantar Mantar protests

The Delhi High Court on Friday directed two major court complexes in the capital to switch to fully online operations, citing disruptions from ongoing protests at the nearby Jantar Mantar venue.

The Patiala House and Rouse Avenue court complexes were instructed to conduct all proceedings through virtual mode on Saturday. The move aims to ensure continuity of judicial functions while maintaining public access to the court system during the period of unrest.

The directive reflects growing concerns over the impact of large-scale protests on regular court operations in central Delhi. By shifting to digital proceedings, the court system can continue to administer justice without exposing advocates, staff, and litigants to potential disruptions on court premises.

Virtual hearings have become a routine fixture in Indian courts since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Delhi High Court has maintained technological infrastructure to support such transitions when necessary. Advocates and parties to cases scheduled before these complexes have been advised to participate through video conferencing platforms.

The temporary shift to online operations is expected to remain in effect until normalcy returns to the area surrounding the court complexes.