In a move that could change how court communication works, the Kerala High Court has announced that WhatsApp will soon be integrated into its Case Management System (CMS). Starting from October 6, 2025, advocates, litigants, and even those appearing in person will begin receiving court-related updates through the popular messaging app.
Courtrooms have always relied on physical notices, cause lists, and email alerts. But delays and gaps in communication have often troubled lawyers and litigants alike.
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"Many advocates complained about missing defect memos or late intimation of listing," a senior member of the bar remarked informally after the notice circulated.
The court appears to have taken this concern seriously, aiming to ensure that updates reach stakeholders instantly on their phones.
The Registrar General, Gopakumar G, while issuing the notice, clarified that WhatsApp is only an additional feature not a replacement for official summons or notices.
"All official messages from the High Court of Kerala will be sent exclusively from the verified sender ID: The High Court of Kerala," the notice emphasized.
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This step, officials believe, will reduce the risk of fraud or phishing attempts that have cropped up in legal communication before.
The guidelines also make it clear that receiving a WhatsApp message does not absolve advocates or parties from checking the official court website. If, for any reason, a message is not delivered, it will not serve as an excuse for missing hearings.
"Stakeholders are advised to cross-check and cross-verify the information on the official web portal," the court directed.
From October 6 onwards, lawyers and parties will need to ensure their mobile numbers are correctly updated in the CMS. If a registered number does not support WhatsApp, they can add a secondary number via the advocate portal. The court also advised keeping both numbers active and WhatsApp-enabled.
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The rollout will be phased, starting with updates on e-filing defects and cause lists before moving to wider procedural information. Advocates say this is a welcome move, though some admit they are cautious about relying too heavily on a private messaging platform.
For now, the Kerala High Court has set the tone: technology must be harnessed, but without compromising legal authenticity.
The final word from the notice summed it up well: WhatsApp is an aid, not a substitute.
