The Party-in-Person Rules published by the High Court of Karnataka govern the appearance of litigants who want to represent themselves. This explains in detail how and in what ways I could access the High Court. Also importantly it explains the ways in which I can be denied that access. As with any rules it is important for me to keep checking on any amendments carried out. Like I completely missed the amendment for these. And was made aware of it by the Section Officer of the Filing Department, High Court of Karnataka.
All Rules concerning the courts in Karnataka are published on the High Court of Karnataka website. I regularly check there for updates that are done through notices and circulars. All the important Rules are carried on the High court Library page.
The High Court of Karnataka (Conduct of Proceedings by Party-in-Person) Rules, 2018
Amendment to the Party-in-Person Rules
One of the important lessons I learnt in trying to execute these rules is to NOT be innovative. Don’t change the language of the forms. Don’t add to the forms. Your forms in your petition have to be an exact replica of those you see above. When I did try and be inventive and clever i was just forced to replace it. Nothing doing I was told. I learnt one thing from this experience. Never ever argue with arbitrary power. You’ll never be allowed to file your case.
This brings me to the other problem that bothers me. So even though these Rules specify that in matters of filing – advocates and party in persons are treated the same it is not so in practice. Every single case I ever filed into the High Court of Karnataka is first vetted by the Section Officer, Filing Branch. Since this in itself is arbitrary and outside the ambit of law there is no recourse to any relief if one disagrees. So I learnt to say YES.