Circular No. 4
The Tamil Nadu Real Estate Appellate Tribunal issued Circular No. 4 on 5 June 2020, directing that appeal hearings be conducted only through video conferencing because physical hearings were not possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. The arrangement applies until further orders and requires advocates and litigants to use Google Meet, follow hearing instructions and maintain court decorum.
What it governs
The Tamil Nadu Real Estate Appellate Tribunal issued Circular No. 4 on 5 June 2020 under Section 53 of the Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016. Because the COVID-19 pandemic prevented physical appeal hearings in Chennai and surrounding districts, the Tribunal introduced video conferencing to maintain access to justice.
The circular concerns the procedure for hearing appeals before the Tribunal. It does not change property rights, project registration requirements or the merits of any appeal.
Who it affects
Circular No. 4 affects advocates, litigants and other parties appearing in appeals before the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Appellate Tribunal. It is relevant to anyone who must join a Tribunal appeal hearing remotely, whether represented by an advocate or appearing in person.
Key directions
- Appeal hearings will take place through video conferencing until further orders.
- The Tamil Nadu Real Estate Appellate Tribunal will assign the date and time for each video hearing.
- Hearing details will be communicated through SMS, WhatsApp or email.
- An email will include a link and attachment for joining the video conferencing session.
- Google Meet will be used for the hearing. Advocates and litigants must download the application on a desktop computer, laptop or smartphone.
- Participants must ensure that their devices and accessories are working properly so that the hearing is not disrupted.
Appearance and conduct
Advocates appearing by video conference must follow the dress code prescribed by the Supreme Court of India in Circular No. F. No. 07/Judl./2020 dated 16 May 2020. They may wear the dress prescribed under the Bar Council of India Rules with a plain white band and must maintain proper decorum before the virtual court.
Parties appearing in person or otherwise joining the video hearing must be properly attired and maintain court decorum throughout the hearing.
Technical assistance
Participants who need technical information about joining a video conference may contact the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Appellate Tribunal at 044-2888 7913 on working days.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Will my appeal before the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Appellate Tribunal be heard in person?
Circular No. 4 states that appeal hearings will be conducted only through video conferencing until further orders.
How will I receive the date and joining details for my hearing?
The Tribunal will assign the date and time and communicate the hearing information through SMS, WhatsApp or email. The email will include a link and attachment for joining the session.
Which application do I need for the video hearing?
The Tamil Nadu Real Estate Appellate Tribunal will use Google Meet. Advocates and litigants must download it on a desktop computer, laptop or smartphone.
Where can I get technical help to join the hearing?
For technical information about joining the video conference, parties may call 044-2888 7913 on working days.
