**Executive Summary**
This document is the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette, published on November 6, 2019. It contains statutory notifications and orders issued by Heads of Departments. It includes public notifications related to Indian Railways and judicial notifications regarding the High Court of Madras (Conduct of Proceedings by Party-In-Person) Rules, 2019.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Indian Railways Notifications:**
* **Energisation of Overhead Equipment:** Notice is given regarding the energisation of 25000 Volt, 50 Hz, ac, single-phase overhead traction wires on the newly laid track between Cuddalore Port Junction - Mayiladuturai Junction - Thiruvarur Sections. The overhead traction line will be treated as "LIVE" from January 31, 2020.
* **Warning to Road Users:** Notifies the public about the introduction of 25 kV ac electric traction and the erection of height gauges (4.67m) at level crossings on the specified sections to prevent loads of excessive height from contacting live traction wires.
* **Judicial Notifications: The High Court of Madras (Conduct of Proceedings by Party-In-Person) Rules, 2019:**
* **Short Title:** The rules are called "The High Court of Madras (Conduct of Proceedings by Party-in-Person) Rules, 2019" and come into force on the date of their publication in the official gazette.
* **Definitions:** Clarifies the definitions of "High Court", "Party-in-Person Committee," and "Party-in-Person."
* **Presentation of Proceedings:** Requires parties not represented by an Advocate to present matters in person at the filing counter, along with identity proof (Aadhar Card, Ration Card, Bank Pass Book with Photo, PAN Card, Driving Licence, Passport, Recent Colour photo Identity Card or Voter Identity Card along with Mobile Number and e-mail ID).
* **Application for Permission:** A party wishing to appear in person must file an attested application explaining why they cannot engage an Advocate and agreeing to accept a Court-appointed amicus curiae if necessary.
* **Preliminary Verification and Scrutiny:** Applications undergo preliminary verification by the Party-in-Person Committee, and papers are scrutinised by the concerned scrutiny branches.
* **Certificate by Party-in-Person Committee:** Requires scrutiny to ensure compliance with court rules, prevents objectionable language, allows for opinion on party's ability to assist the court, potentially refers to the High Court Legal Services Committee, allows direction to appoint a lawyer if not entitled to free legal aid.
* **Undertaking:** A competent party must undertake to maintain decorum. Failure to do so may result in contempt proceedings, costs, security deposit, or dismissal of proceedings.
* **Exceptions:** These rules do not apply to bail, parole, furlough, and habeas corpus petitions.
* **Court's Discretion:** The Court may permit a litigant to appear in person at its discretion.
* **Pending Matters:** Rules apply to pending matters where a party is appearing in person, and the court may resume and take up the cases after the party undergoes the procedure prescribed.
* **Forms:** Include a form (Form-A) for application to appear in person and an undertaking (Form-B).
**Impact Analysis**
**General Public (Road Users near Railway Tracks)**
* **Impact:** Potential danger from the energised traction wires.
* **Action Required:** Observe height restrictions and ensure loads carried do not infringe height gauges.
**Railway Users and Those Near Railway Lines**
* **Impact:** Potential danger from the energised traction wires.
* **Action Required:** Maintain a safe distance and avoid unauthorized work near the overhead traction line.
**Litigants and Legal Professionals at Madras High Court and Madurai Bench of Madras High Court**
* **Impact:** New rules regulating the procedure for conducting proceedings by Party-in-Person.
* **Action Required:** Litigants intending to appear in person must comply with the new rules and procedures. Legal Professionals are also involved with referring parties to legal services as required.
Key Entities Referenced
High Court of Madras: The institution to which the "The High Court of Madras (Conduct of Proceedings by Party-In-Person) Rules, 2019" applies.
The High Court of Madras (Conduct of Proceedings by Party-In-Person) Rules, 2019: Rules regulating practice and procedure for conduct of proceedings by a Party-in-Person in Madras High Court.
Tamil Nadu: The state to which the Government Gazette belongs.
Indian Railways: Department responsible for energization of railway tracks.
Villupuram - Cuddalore Port - Mayiladuturai - Thanjavur & Mayiladuturai - Thiruvarur Sections: The railway section undergoing electrification in Tamil Nadu.