The Bombay High Court has issued a public notice proposing significant amendments to the Bombay High Court (Appellate Side) Rules, 1960, inviting suggestions from stakeholders and the public. The draft, published on 3 December 2025, outlines key changes applicable to proceedings pending on or filed after the commencement of the amended rules. Suggestions have been invited via email to the Registrar (Judicial-I) at rule-section@bhc.gov.in
on or before 17 December 2025.
The proposed amendments, titled the Bombay High Court (Appellate Side) (Amendment) Rules, 2025, are framed under the powers conferred by the Maharashtra and Goa enactments governing writ petitions and abolition of Letters Patent Appeals, read with Article 225 of the Constitution.
Key changes include:
• Deletion of sub-clause (ii) of clause (h), Rule 2(II), Chapter I from both the Maharashtra and Goa versions of the rules.
• Insertion of a new clause (j) in the principal rules and Goa amendments to clarify that all applications seeking quashing of FIRs, Crime Reports, charge-sheets, or directions for investigation whether filed under Article 226, Article 227, Section 482 CrPC/Section 528 BNSS, or combinations thereof will fall within the specified category of matters.
• Additionally, the amendment proposes to substitute the word “except” with “including” in clause (4) of Rule 18, Chapter XVII of both the principal rules and the Goa amendments, effectively expanding the scope of matters covered under that rule.
The rules will come into force on dates notified by the Chief Justice, with different provisions potentially taking effect on different dates.
NOTIFICATION BY THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY Click here