Topic
Personal appearance in Indian courts refers to the requirement for accused persons, witnesses, or officials to physically attend proceedings, with exceptions increasingly recognized for seniors, health reasons, or minor offenses.
High Court of Telangana holds that a petitioner's livelihood constraints may justify dispensing with personal appearance in DV proceedings, provided counsel represents her.
Delhi High Court holds that senior officials cannot be compelled to appear personally in petty municipal nuisance cases where lower officers are already present and representation is available.
Delhi High Court holds that elderly accused with serious health conditions cannot be compelled to appear personally in Section 138 NI Act cases without due regard to medical evidence and alternative arrangements.
The High Court of Telangana permits accused persons to be represented by counsel without personal appearance, subject to conditions, in non-serious offences under Section 528 BNSS.
Andhra Pradesh High Court holds elderly accused in dowry and BNS cases need not appear daily, only for crucial stages like Section 313 examination and judgment delivery.