The Kerala High Court has paved way for the use of A4 sheets for filing petitions, affidavits, memoranda of appeal and other proceedings before it. All filings before it from November 2 onwards shall be mandatorily be typewritten/printed on both sides of A4 sheets.
The detailed specifications include Paper – A4 size paper (21.0 X 29.7 cms) having not less than 75 GSM and Page set up and margins – 3.5 cm on left and right ; 2 cm on top and bottom.
The decision was taken after Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association wrote a letter to the Chief Justice, urging him to switch over to A4 size papers with printing on both sides.
The High Court further said,
“Minimising consumption of paper adds a positive impact on environment. Besides, it reduces cost and needs lesser storage space… Further, A4 size papers reduces infrastructural investment in foolscap paper compatible printers. These papers are internationally accepted, popular, easily available and cheaper when compared to other sizes.“
It is pertinent to note that the Supreme Court on February 13, 2020,had issued a circular relating to the use of A4 size paper having regard to the difficulties faced by the lawyers amid COVID 19 lockdown.
Additionally, Calcutta and Tripura High Court have also mandated the use of A4 size paper for filings.
