Page 78 - ELT_15th July 2020_Vol 373_Part 2

T26 EXCISE LAW TIMES [ Vol. 373

Annexure-I
CESTAT - PROCEDURE FOR E-HEARING OF APPLICATIONS
(www.cestatnew.gov.in)
I. Introduction
The lockdown declared by the Government due to COVID-19
pandemic has affected the regular hearing of appeals by all the
Benches of the Tribunal since 16 March, 2020. Even if the situation
improves, the risk involved in conducting regular Courts is high.
Therefore, a system of hearing of cases through video
conferencing has emerged as an alternative for regular Court
sitting in some of the Courts and Tribunals in the country. The
Hon’ble Supreme Court, in Suo Motu Writ (Civil) No. 5 of 2020,
has permitted Courts across the country to conduct legal
proceedings by leveraging technology, thereby furthering the
objective of Article 39A of the Constitution. The Customs, Excise
and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal also endeavors to dispose
cases of urgent applications through e-hearing in all its Benches by
utilizing the technology to the best extent possible.
II. Video Conferencing Platform
Various video conferencing platforms are available for use. For
conducting e-hearing of urgent applications on video conferencing
platform, Jitsi meet appears to be more adaptable having regard to
the functional environment of CESTAT. Jitsi meet is an open source
software and is available for download at https://play.google.com/
store/apps/details?id=org.jitsi.meet The registration process is fairly
simple and requires only an e-mail address.
III. Technical and Infrastructural Requirement
To have a proper hearing on the video conferencing platform it is
necessary that the exchange of information is seamless and
without interruption. The minimum requirements are the
following.
1. Desktop/Laptop : The system should have a proper
processor and RAM. The system should be equipped with a
webcam which will support HD video. It should also have an
inbuilt mike and speakers. However, external headphones with
mike may also be used for hearing. i pads of proper
configuration may also be used. Mobile phones should be
avoided as the hearing can be interrupted by incoming calls
and screen size constraints.
2. Internet Connection : The internet connection should be of
good speed and it is advisable that no other device is
connected to the wifi router during the hearing.
3. Telephone/Mobile phone : A telephone/mobile phone
maybe kept as an alternative mode for uninterrupted hearing
in case there is an unforeseen break in video streaming.
IV. Procedure for listing
(1) Any party desirous of getting an application of urgent nature
EXCISE LAW TIMES  15th July 2020  78