Delhi High Court: Prathiba M. Singh, J., addressed a concern wherein it was stated that the NCLAT and NCLT ought to have an open link where parties who are interested can join the proceedings.
The instant petition was filed to seek the provision of open or virtual links for attending hearings in the National Company Law Tribunal and National Company Law Appellate Tribunal.
High Court’s opinion on perusal of the affidavits filed on behalf of the NCLT and NCLAT was that the forums like NCLT and NCLAT, which have a high quantum of work, ought to be permitted to regulate their own procedure so long as the same is not arbitrary.
In virtual hearings, there is a possibility of enormous disturbance if there is no regulated entry.
NCLAT and NCLT submitted that whenever links are required, there are separate ‘active’ and ‘viewing’ links shared with the parties. They also added their concern that lawyers mention matters which may not have been listed on the particular date causing enormous disruption in the hearings if open links would be provided.
Hence in view of the facts and circumstances, Bench directed NCLT and NCLAT to regulate their own procedure for virtual hearing platforms so long as it is ensured that if any particular party requests for a link, the same would be considered in a fair, transparent and non-arbitrary manner.
To the extent possible, parties would be permitted to view the proceedings.
While concluding, High Court held that since virtual hearings are a measure adopted to ensure that Tribunals and Courts are functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Petitioner, if he wishes to join any particular hearing, may write an e-mail at least 24 hours in advance to the Deputy Registrar of the NCLT and NCLAT. The same shall be considered in accordance with the NCLT and NCLAT’s own procedure, in a fair, transparent and non-arbitrary manner. [Deepak Khosla v. NCLAT, 2021 SCC OnLine Del 1214, decided on 08-03-2021]
Advocates who appeared before the Court:
For the Petitioner: Deepak Khosla, Advocate
For the Respondents: Chetan Sharma, ASG with Dev P. Bhardwaj, CGSC, Amit Gupta, Vinay Yadav, Sahaj Garg, Akshay Gadeock & R.V. Prabhat, Advocates for UOI.