The Supreme Court has granted relief to Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer Ankit Tiwari, allowing him to remain in Madhya Pradesh while permitting him to appear before the Tamil Nadu Court through video conferencing (VC).
Background:
Ankit Tiwari, who is an officer in the Enforcement Directorate, had been summoned to appear before a Tamil Nadu court in relation to an ongoing case. However, due to his current assignment in Madhya Pradesh, he requested the court’s permission to appear virtually rather than travelling to Tamil Nadu, which would be a significant logistical challenge.
Court’s Rationale:
The Supreme Court acknowledged the difficulties Tiwari faced in attending court proceedings in person while on official duty in another state. Considering the circumstances and the current technological capabilities for remote appearances, the court allowed him to appear before the Tamil Nadu court via video conferencing.
Existing Measures:
The decision reflects the growing acceptance of virtual hearings in the judicial system, especially in cases where the physical presence of an individual is not mandatory. It ensures that judicial proceedings can continue without undue hardship to the parties involved.
Conclusion:
By granting Tiwari the option to attend court proceedings virtually, the Supreme Court has ensured that justice is not delayed while taking into account the practical challenges of his professional responsibilities. This decision could also set a precedent for similar cases in the future, where distance or duty requirements may hinder a party’s physical appearance in court.