Order 21 — Electronic Filing System
Rule 1 Electronic filing system
There shall be an electronic filing system in the Court, for the electronic filing and payment of filing fees for court processes and documents by parties.
Rule 2 Cause or matter filed to conform with rules
A cause or matter which is electronically filed shall conform with these Rules.
Rule 3 Parallel operation with present procedure
The electronic filing system shall run parallel with the existing filing procedure.
Rule 4 E-filing Registrar
The Registrar designated to handle the electronic filing system shall be responsible for the management of documents and court processes which are electronically transmitted to the Court.
Rule 5 Power of the Chief Judge to issue practice directions
The Chief Judge may issue Practice Directions to govern electronic filing of documents and processes.
Rule 6 Virtual Proceedings
The Court may conduct its proceedings virtually where it deems fit.
Rule 7 Hearing to be conducted through approved platforms by the court
The hearing shall be by means of any audio-visual platform approved by the Court and a link or access code shall be provided by the Court to enable the public observe proceedings.
Rule 8 Registrar to notify parties
Where the Court adopts virtual hearing for any proceedings in a cause or matter, the Registrar shall notify the parties.
Rule 9 Judge and counsel to be fully robed
The counsel appearing in the case shall be fully robed during the virtual proceedings.
Rule 10 Decorum and etiquette to be observed
Rules and practices on decorum and etiquette observed during physical hearing shall be observed by counsel and parties during virtual hearing.
Rule 11 Cases to be listed on cause list
Cases for virtual hearing shall be stated in the cause list of the Court by the Registrar and shall be posted on the official website of the Court and be communicated to the parties either by electronic mail or any other electronic means as the Court may direct.
Rule 12 Court to give direction on virtual hearing
It shall be the duty of the Court to give directives on the conduct of virtual hearing in any case before it, which shall be in accordance with any relevant law, rules of Court and any Practice Direction made pursuant to these Rules.
Rule 13 Power of the Chief Judge to issue practice directions
The Chief Judge may issue Practice Directions for the regulation of virtual hearing.