Introduction 

On May 15, 2023, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) ruled that it was no longer necessary to physically file pleadings (appeals, interlocutory applications, replies, and rejoinders). According to the decision, pleadings must be submitted electronically starting on January 4, 2021. beginning as a result, beginning on May 15, 2023, filing hard copies was no longer required.

The directive was given by Justice Ashok Bhushan, the NCLAT’s chair, and it will go into effect on May 15, 2023. As of January 4, 2021, all appeals, interlocutory applications, replies, rejoinders, and other documents must be submitted electronically to NCLAT. The competent authority has further ordered that with immediate effect, it is not necessary to file hard copies of appeals, interlocutory petitions, replies, rejoinders, etc.

Supreme Court Remark on E-Filing 

A bench chaired by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud noted that e-filing offers ease and 24/7 access for solicitors and litigants, as well as transparency and efficiency in the administration of justice. The bench stated that it was now too late to argue that e-filing shouldn’t be the standard and that other courts and tribunals, including the high courts, should instead adopt it.