The Punjab and Haryana High Court has formally appreciated the effort of a Session Judge for adopting a practice of printing judicial orders on the same sheet of paper wherever feasible, as a means to avoid unnecessary waste of paper. The High Court observed that this practice reflects a conscientious and resource-efficient approach in judicial functioning, particularly given the precious nature of paper as a finite resource and the broader public interest in conservation and sustainable use of materials. The court emphasised that such measures should be encouraged in judicial proceedings and held up the judge’s initiative as an example that other courts should endeavour to follow in their own workflows.
In the course of delivering its own order in a petition under Section 528, the High Court specifically noted that the orders placed on record in the case before it had been printed on the same sheet wherever possible, demonstrating that every precaution had been taken by the trial court to ensure optimum utilisation of paper. The bench underlined that this practice not only minimises wastage but also sets a commendable precedent for judicial officers and court staff across jurisdictions to exercise prudence in the use of court resources. The court stated that adopting such pragmatic and environmentally conscious administrative practices contributes positively to judicial administration.
The underlying case involved a petition challenging a trial court order in which the petitioner had been declared a proclaimed offender in connection with allegations under the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. While adjudicating the substantive petition on merit, the High Court took note of how the trial court had managed the administrative aspect of printing its orders, and expressly commended the trial judge for this approach. By highlighting the judge’s initiative, the High Court sought to encourage similar measures in other courts to reduce paper usage without compromising the clarity and accessibility of judicial records.
The High Court’s appreciation sends a clear signal about the value of adopting environmentally conscious administrative practices in the judiciary. It also aligns with broader movements within courts to reduce paper waste and promote sustainability in court processes, including efforts seen earlier to encourage double-sided printing and use of e-filing to minimise reliance on physical paper. By commending the judge’s initiative, the High Court has underscored that efficient and thoughtful use of court resources contributes meaningfully to both judicial efficacy and environmental stewardship.
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