The Delhi High Court instructed district courts to ensure smooth facilitation of video conference hearings. This directive aims to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of judicial proceedings. The move is part of efforts to modernize the judiciary and adapt to technological advancements. The order emphasizes the need for adequate infrastructure and technical support.
New Delhi: The Acting Chief Justice Manmohan of the Delhi High Court, On May 20, 2024, issued a set of directives to the District Courts in Delhi to ensure the smooth functioning of video conferencing during court proceedings.
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the courts in Delhi, India, implemented measures to allow parties involved in legal cases to participate in court proceedings through videoconferencing. The Delhi High Court has since issued a set of guidelines outlining the procedures for conducting these virtual court sessions.
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The High Court‘s order outlines specific guidelines for setting up dedicated video conferencing facilities. These guidelines mandate the installation of high-quality video communication equipment and reliable internet services to ensure that hearings via video conferencing are as effective as physical court proceedings.
Furthermore, the directive emphasizes the importance of training for court staff and judges to handle the technological aspects of video conferencing proficiently.
The key points of these directives are as follows:
- The video conferencing system must be kept active during court operating hours.
- The video feed from the court’s end must be switched on.
- The video conferencing audio at the court’s end must remain unmuted unless the court specifically orders otherwise, as per the office order dated June 5, 2023.
- The video conferencing session must not be locked, allowing advocates, litigants, and the public to join seamlessly, unless the court directs otherwise as per the June 5, 2023 office order.
- Each court must display the case number during the video conferencing proceedings.
- Each court must ensure that a message is shown on the video conferencing screen when the court is not in session, on leave, or when the court has issued directives to restrict the proceedings, as per the June 5, 2023 office order.
These directives aim to streamline the use of video conferencing technology and ensure the accessibility and transparency of court proceedings in the national capital.
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It also aims to make the justice system more accessible to litigants who cannot be physically present in court, thereby broadening the scope of justice and adherence to the principle of fair trial.
The order specified,
“The Principal District & Sessions Judges are required to submit a report on video conferencing activities to the office of the esteemed Registrar General of this Court, using the prescribed format.”
By mandating these technological upgrades, the Delhi High Court is leading a transformative shift towards a more modernized and efficient judicial process, aligning with global standards of judicial operations. This move not only a leap forward in embracing technology but also a step towards ensuring that the judiciary remains resilient and responsive to the needs of the public in a digital age.