High Court of Kerala reviews petition on video hearings at CESTAT Bangalore Bench, decides no action needed.

The High Court of Kerala reviewed a petition concerning video conferencing for hearings at the CESTAT Bangalore Bench. Despite the feasibility of video hearings, the Bar preferred physical hearings due to delays. With a vacancy in the Technical Member post, the Court disposed of the review petition based on the Registrar General's report, indicating no need for further action on the petitioner's appeal remedy.

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Issues:
- Conducting video conferencing for hearings at CESTAT
- Preference of physical hearings by members of the Bar
- Vacancy of Technical Member post at Bangalore Bench of CESTAT
- Petitioner seeking clarification on the order for appeal remedy

Analysis:
The High Court of Kerala, under the review petition, requested a report from the Registrar General regarding the feasibility of video hearings at the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) in Bangalore. The report highlighted that although video conferencing was possible and a scheme was in place, members of the Bar were not comfortable with the system, citing delays in case resolution. The Bar Association President requested the commencement of physical hearings in July 2020. Additionally, it was noted that there is a vacancy for the post of Technical Member at the Bangalore Bench of CESTAT.

Considering the report's contents, it was evident that CESTAT was willing to conduct video conferencing, but the Bar members preferred physical hearings. The Court acknowledged the petitioner's appeal but noted the absence of any hearing, either physical or through video. Consequently, the review petition was disposed of based on the Registrar General's report, indicating no further action was necessary to clarify the order granting the petitioner the liberty to pursue an appeal.

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