Namaste everyone,

I am looking for practical guidance from advocates anyone with recent experience using the Delhi District Courts e-Filing portal, particularly for Tis Hazari Courts.

I am trying to understand and follow the correct legal procedure while handling this matter myself. I would be grateful for guidance from anyone who can help me understand the procedural requirements.

Background

I am the complainant/PW-2 in a pending criminal case before the ACJM, West District, Tis Hazari Courts, Delhi. I currently reside in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

The matter is listed for prosecution evidence. An earlier court order records my appearance through video conferencing, but a subsequent order directs me to appear physically on the next hearing date.

Since travelling from Bengaluru to Delhi is difficult and expensive, I have prepared a signed application requesting permission to appear through video conferencing. I have also compiled the supporting documents as annexures in a single PDF.

Problem 1: Confusion about the correct e-filing procedure

I registered on the official e-Filing portal as a litigant/Party in Person:

https://filing.ecourts.gov.in/pdedev/

I am facing the following difficulties:

1. Under the Intercolutory Applications section, I could not proceed because the portal displayed the message "Please select client" and offered a client-selection option for the State. I am the complainant/PW-2 and am filing an application for myself, not representing the State.

2. Under the Pleadings section, I was able to upload my application PDF to the existing case. However, when I tried to submit it, the portal warned that I had not selected a GRN and asked whether I wanted to submit without court fee.

3. The e-Payment section allows payment against the existing case, but I cannot determine the correct court fee for this particular application.

4. The Court Fee Wallet asks me to select an establishment, and I am unsure whether this facility is intended for advocates or can also be used by a litigant appearing in person.

My questions are:

1. As a complainant/PW-2 filing without an advocate, should I use the Interlocutory Application section or the Pleadings section to file a video-conferencing application in an existing criminal case?

2. If I use the Interlocutory Applications section, what should I select when the portal asks for a client, given that I am filing for myself and am not representing the State?

3. Is a court fee payable for this type of application? If yes, what is the applicable amount, and how should it be paid?

4. Is the Court Fee Wallet available to a Party in Person, or should I use the regular e-Payment facility?

Problem 2: Is e-filing mandatory, and must I also submit a physical copy?

I have received advice that I should first e-file the application through the official portal:

https://filing.ecourts.gov.in/pdedev/

and then submit a physical copy of the same application, along with its annexures, to the concerned court.

However, I have not been able to establish whether this is actually the applicable procedure for my situation.

I would particularly appreciate clarification on the following:

1. Is e-filing mandatory for an application of this nature in an existing criminal case before the Delhi District Courts, when the complainant is filing personally without an advocate?

2. After successfully e-filing the application, is it mandatory to submit a physical copy of the application and annexures at the court filing counter? If yes, within what time limit and to which office should it be submitted?

3. Does the requirement for physical submission depend on whether the application is accepted by the court, or does it apply in every case?

4. If a litigant is filing as a Party in Person, is there any different procedure from the one followed by advocates?

5. If anyone has recently filed an application personally in an existing criminal case at Tis Hazari Courts, could you please share the actual procedure you followed, including whether you had to submit physical copies?

I want to make sure I follow the correct procedure rather than relying on assumptions or incomplete information.

I am not seeking advice on the merits of the criminal case. My main concerns are the correct filing category, court fee, e-filing requirements, and whether physical submission is also necessary.

Thank you in advance to everyone who takes the time to guide me. Advice from a Delhi advocate or someone with recent, first-hand experience with the Tis Hazari e-Filing process would be especially helpful.