A petition has been filed in Bombay High Court seeking directions to mandate the use of A4 size paper printed on both sides, for filing all pleadings in the High Court and all other subordinate courts in Maharashtra.
The plea was filed by advocate Ajinkya Mohan Udane who submitted that the use of A4 size paper will save a lot of paper and space and will also save a large number of trees and therefore will lead to the protection of the environment and wildlife.
“Use of A4 size paper with printing on both sides instead of foolscap/ legal sized paper with single side being printed is indispensable for the environment. The rational usage of paper has a direct relation with the saving of cutting of trees, conservation of forest and water resources and protection of environment, wildlife and human life,” the plea said.
The petitioner put reliance on Article 48A which exhorts the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife. He also referred to Article 51A(g) which makes it the duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment.
On October 20, 2020, a plea was filed by advocate Sujay Joshi who raised identical concerns. The court directed the petitioner to approach the administrative side. Following the directions, he withdrew the plea and filed a representation before the Registrar General. Interestingly, the petitioner in the present case, advocate Udane along with advocate Ranjit Shinde had represented Joshi in his representation on December 12, 2020.
After there was no response, Udane moved Bombay High Court. The plea seeks amendments in Bombay High Court (Appellate Side) Rules, 1960 and Bombay High Court (Original Side) Rules, 1980 so as to implement the use of A4 paper printed on both sides.
