A High Court judge has voiced frustration over increasing disorder during virtual court proceedings, criticizing participants who log in only to engage in unrelated activities while hearings are in progress.
“Someone logs in and does his own things, not minding that we are in court,” the judge lamented, expressing concern over the lack of seriousness displayed during online sessions.
The judge observed that, unlike physical courtrooms where decorum and attentiveness are easier to enforce virtual hearings have become plagued by distractions, technical glitches, and poor discipline among some attendees. The situation, the judge warned, threatens the integrity and efficiency of judicial proceedings.
“We should go back to physical court where there are no such disruptions,” the judge suggested, hinting at the need for the Judiciary to reconsider its reliance on virtual platforms.
Virtual hearings were widely introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain access to justice while minimizing physical contact. Despite the lifting of health restrictions, many courts have continued using the digital system due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness.
However, persistent concerns over participant discipline, unstable internet connections, and recurring technical challenges are fueling debate over whether the Judiciary should return to traditional in-person hearings or establish stricter regulations for virtual sessions.
