Delhi High Court Calls For SOP To Implement Online Hearings In Labour Forums, Says Will Ease Access To Justice

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday called for a standing operating procedure (SOP) to be adopted by the Centre and Delhi Governments to implement the facilities for online processes and proceedings in various forums under the labour laws.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said if the processes and proceedings before the labour forums are made online, not only will it ensure transparency in functioning but will also provide ease to seek access to justice to the needy.

The Court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by young advocates- Arjun Mohan, Deeksha Prakash and Saimon Farooqui, raising concern about regular uploading of court orders and causelists, information relating to VC links and leaves of presiding officers in various fora treated under labour laws.

While appreciating the cause taken up in the PIL, the Court said that under various labour laws, there are various tribunals, judicial and quasi judicial authorities, reconciliation officers and labour enforcement officers who, under various statutes passed by central and state governments, perform duties and functions touching upon the rights of workmen and employers.

The Bench observed that having regards to the well acknowledged fact that the technology in the present era can be better utilized for providing access to justice which is one of the goals to achieve in a welfare state, it is the online facilities that will serve the need of the people who require access to various fora under labour laws

The Court permitted the petitioners to make an exhaustive representation to both the Central and State Governments in their respective departments taking all the pleas available to them and specifically enlisting the labour forums.

It added that once such representation is made, the same shall be attended to by the governments at an appropriate level and the secretary in charge of the concerned departments will ensure that a decision in the matter is taken.

“We expect that the respective governments, while considering the representation of the petitioners, shall also prepare a SOP to be followed by different fora under various labour laws for implementing facilities providing for online processes and proceedings,” the Court said.

“We expect that a decision shall be taken by both the governments within three months from the date the representations of the petitioners are received,” the Court said while disposing of the plea.

Title: Arjun Mohan & Ors v. Union of India & Ors

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Del) 634