‘Any case can be held via VC’: Madras High Court allows London doctor to testify online

The Madras High Court has ruled that witnesses can give virtual evidence in complex property disputes, allowing a 72-year-old London-based doctor to testify online in a lengthy case. Justice N Anand Venkatesh ruled that any proceedings can now be conducted through video conferencing, citing the new Madras High Court Video Conferencing Rules, 2026.

The doctor had filed a case for partition and allotment of one-third share in a property, challenging a 2004 decree in favor of the opposite parties. The doctor sought a permanent stay to prevent the sale of the involved properties. Initially, the trial court barred the doctor from appearing virtually due to his age and health issues, but the High Court overruled this decision, noting that the cross-examination could easily be conducted virtually.

The court also observed that the petitioners' insistence on the doctor's physical presence was surprising, given that he had already been present in person on three previous hearings. The trial court was directed to complete the hearing within four months.