In a significant move to enhance the technological capabilities of the judiciary, the Calcutta High Court has distributed 1,000 new laptops to judicial officers in West Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The distribution ceremony was presided over by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, along with members of the High Court Computer Committee, including Justice Tapabrata Chakroborty, Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya, and Justice Debangshu Basak.
Chief Justice Sivagnanam, speaking at the event, emphasized the integral role of technology in the judicial system. He remarked,
“We have to unconditionally accept that we have to equip ourselves and keep abreast with time so that we aren’t left behind. Computerization of the court proceedings including filing procedure etc. has been a boon and has largely improved the disposal of cases and also for effective case management.”
Reflecting on the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Justice Sivagnanam noted the judiciary’s forced shift to an alternative mode of operation, particularly the virtual mode of hearing cases. He stated,
“That is when the courts throughout the country had switched over to virtual mode in its entirety. During the period of pandemic effective disposal of cases had taken place. Even lower courts were able to function properly. This lesson that was taught to us during the tough times is here to stay and we have to sharpen our talents better. With this view in mind, the Computer Committee recommended best laptops for the judicial officers.”
The distribution of laptops is seen as a step towards modernizing the judiciary and adapting to the changing landscape of legal proceedings. This initiative is expected to facilitate better case management and efficient disposal of cases, thereby enhancing the overall functioning of the judicial system in West Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.