Mandatory E-Filing in DRTs Upheld.

In the case of MP High Court Bar Association v. Union of India, the Supreme Court affirmed mandatory e-filing in Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) and Debts Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATs). The Ministry of Finance had amended Rule 3 of the Debts Recovery Tribunals and Debts Recovery Appellate Tribunals Electronic Filing (Amendment) Rules, 2023, making e-filing of pleadings by applicants before DRT/DRAT mandatory without any limit. During the proceedings, CJI DY Chandrachud disapproved of the presumption that women lawyers would not be competent enough to adjust to the mandatory e-filing system, stating that female lawyers are even more tech-savvy than male lawyers. The court also pointed out the availability of help desks and E-Seva Kendras to assist senior citizens with the e-filing process. In the order, Justice PS Narasimha urged lawyers who go to DRTs or DRATs to upgrade themselves as soon as possible, stating that people are upgrading themselves with UPI and that lawyers should not convert this into litigation.

Supreme Court Disapproves of Presumption that Women are Bad at Technology

In a plea filed by the Madhya Pradesh High Court Bar Association, the Supreme Court has affirmed mandatory e-filing in Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) and Debts Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATs). CJI DY Chandrachud, who was leading the bench also comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice JB Pardiwala, expressed his disapproval of the presumption that women practitioners would need an exemption to the rule of mandatory e-filing.

The plea challenged notification of the Ministry of Finance which amended Rule 3 of the Debts Recovery Tribunals and Debts Recovery Appellate Tribunals Electronic Filing (Amendment) Rules, 2023. As per the amended norms, e-filing of pleadings by applicants before DRT/DRAT is made mandatory without any limit.

During the arguments, the counsel for the petitioner sought for certain exceptions to the rule of mandatory e-filing, including an exemption for female lawyers. However, CJI Chandrachud expressed his disapproval of the presumption that women lawyers are not competent and would need an exemption.

The petitioner also sought relaxation in cases of senior citizens who may not be familiar with e-filing. In response, CJI DY Chandrachud pointed out the availability of help desks and E-Seva Kendras to assist senior citizens with the e-filing process.

In the order, Justice PS Narasimha urged lawyers who go to DRTs or DRATs to upgrade themselves as soon as possible, stating that people are upgrading themselves with UPI and that lawyers should not convert this into litigation.