Madras High Court set a precedent by conducting a court hearing via WhatsApp. The judge held the hearing on Sunday while he was attending a marriage procession. Justice G R Swaminathan conducted a triangular session that included the attorney general, and the petitioner’s counsel.
The judge was moved by the petition of the temple’s trustee who claimed that their village would face divine wrath. He wanted permission to carry out the Rath Yatra which is held every year.
Abheeshta Varadaraja Swamy temple conducts a Rath Yatra every year in the honor of the deities. Inspector attached to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Department had ordered the temple’s trustee to not conduct the procession this year. However, the temple’s trustee filed a petition in the court to get permission for conducting the Rath Yatra.
Justice G R Swaminathan realized that the issue needed immediate assistance and thus decided to conduct the hearing on WhatsApp. Moreover, he reached the conclusion that the Inspector attached to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Department didn’t have jurisdiction to stop the festival.
The judge added that the festival needs to be conducted in complete harmony and compliance with the local laws.
