Open virtual proceedings part of the right to know

The High Court of Gujarat recently disposed of a petition which raised the issue that public should have access to virtual hearing under the case Pruthvirajsinh Zala vs. High Court of Gujarat.

The petition was filed by a 3rd year law student of Nirma University with writ application under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to grant interim relief of open-public access to the virtual hearing of the High Court and frame necessary rules for the same.

It pleaded under Article 21 for the right to access to justice flow as opportunity to witness live proceedings in respect of matters having an impact on the public at large or on section of people.

Also, the right to seek and receive information under form of access to virtual hearing of High Court is fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

The court has dismissed plea on 20th July 2020 as a Committee of two Honorable Judges of the Gujarat High Court has constituted pursuant to the decision by the Standing Committee in its meeting held on 25th June 2020.