SCAORA & SCBA Write Supreme Court About Internet Blockade in Delhi

SCAORA & SCBA Write Supreme Court About Internet Blockade in Delhi

In light of internet blockade in several parts of Delhi amid farmers' tractor rally, the Supreme Court Advocate's on Record Association (SCAORA) has written to Supreme Court India (SC), requesting the Judges to not pass any adverse action against advocates and parties, for non-appearance.

SCAORA wrote a letter to the SC on 27 January 2021 stating, "In view of the disconnection of the internet in several areas of Delhi for security reasons due to the ongoing farmer's protests; we request your good self and the Companion Judges to not pass any adverse orders in the event of Advocates not being able to attend/login to virtual courts due to connectivity issues and technical issues; for which act, we will be highly obliged."

The concern was shown by SCAORA as after the farmers' Republic Day tractor rally turned violent, the Ministry of Home Affairs ordered a temporary suspension of Internet services in several parts of Delhi. According to the said order, it was necessary to suspend Internet services 'in the interest of maintaining public safety and averting public emergency'.

It was further stated that as most of the Advocates are dependent on mobile data services for accessing virtual Courts, the SCAORA has asked the Top Court to take a lenient view in case of non-appearance.

A similar request is also made by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). A press note issued by the SCBA states, "In the light of yesterday's violence in Delhi, the internet facility has been suspended and roads have been blocked in some areas of Delhi.

The SCBA has requested to the office of Hon'ble the CJI, not to pass any adverse orders in any matters listed today before any bench and all court masters have been informed by the office of Hon'ble the CJI Office has assured for the same."