Legal Proceedings Will Be Virtual During AI Impact Summit in Delhi

Several courts in India will operate differently during the upcoming AI Impact Summit in Delhi. This event is scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from February 16 to February 20, 2026. The summit is expected to attract many visitors from over 30 countries and will bring in thousands of delegates. Due to the large number of people expected and the traffic they will generate, authorities have decided to make special arrangements for court proceedings. The Supreme Court of India has announced that lawyers can appear through video conferencing during this period, from February 16 to February 20, 2026. The court clarified that virtual appearances are optional. All benches will operate in a hybrid mode, meaning some proceedings will be in person, and others can be virtual. This decision was made to address the expected traffic congestion caused by the summit. Along similar lines, the Delhi High Court has also permitted lawyers and litigants to use video conferencing from February 16 to February 23, 2026. This extension covers the days leading up to and including the Bar Council of Delhi elections. Like the Supreme Court’s decision, the Delhi High Court stated that virtual appearances are optional. During this period, the court will continue working in a hybrid mode, allowing both in-person and virtual hearings. The elections of the Bar Council of Delhi are scheduled to be held at the Delhi High Court premises from February 21 to February 23, 2026. These elections will decide the representatives for lawyers in the region. The decision to allow virtual court appearances during this time is also aimed at easing the burden on transportation and reducing congestion in the city. It is part of efforts to ensure that legal procedures continue smoothly despite the high-profile event. The AI Impact Summit is a significant international gathering focused on artificial intelligence. It is expected to draw thousands of participants from over 30 countries, making it a major event in the field of technology. Due to the large number of visitors, the government has taken steps to enhance security. More than 10,000 police personnel will be deployed in New Delhi to maintain order and safety. This move towards virtual court proceedings is important because it helps manage the expected increase in traffic and avoids disruptions to the judiciary. It also offers flexibility for lawyers and litigants who may otherwise face difficulties traveling to court during a busy time. The decision by the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court to permit virtual appearances is part of a broader effort to adapt to the logistical challenges posed by large events like the AI Impact Summit. While there is no official confirmation yet on whether the Supreme Court will maintain the virtual hearing option beyond this period, these measures indicate a proactive approach to managing case schedules during major events. In summary, during the AI Impact Summit in Delhi, courts will allow virtual appearances to ensure smooth functioning and reduce traffic pressures. These arrangements are temporary and aim to ensure that legal proceedings continue without interruption during this large international event. Both the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court emphasize that participation through video conferencing remains optional, and hybrid modes of hearing will be available for all cases.