The Delhi High Court issued directives for the immediate implementation of the Hybrid Courts project. Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora passed the order, acknowledging the urgency of the matter, particularly in light of the recent mandates making hybrid hearings and e-filing compulsory in district courts.
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NEW DELHI: On April 29: The Delhi High Court issued directives for the implementation of the Hybrid Courts project. The court order comes after careful deliberations and assessments of revised proposals presented by the Public Works Department (PWD) and expert advice from the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in Delhi. The Hybrid Courts project aims to enhance judicial proceedings by integrating technology and establishing a seamless network for efficient court operations.
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora passed the order, acknowledging the urgency of the matter, particularly in light of the recent mandates making hybrid hearings and e-filing compulsory in district courts.
Following consultations and expert opinions, the NIC approved the proposed configuration for hybrid courts, emphasizing the need for networking components, a live streaming platform, and a data center. However, the NIC recommended covering these aspects in the next phase of the project.
Advocate Dr. Amit George, representing the Delhi High Court, stressed the necessity of immediate action, considering the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections and the growing importance of hybrid hearings in the justice system. Joint Registrar (J) (CPC) for Registrar General Abhilash Malhotra highlighted the integral role of networking infrastructure, data centers, and live streaming platforms in ensuring optimal utilization of ICT equipment and compliance with regulations.
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In response to the urgency and importance of the project, the Delhi High Court issued the following directives:
- GNCTD (Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi) is instructed to expedite financial sanctions for all 691 courts, according to the approved preliminary estimate dated April 19, 2024, amounting to Rs. 387,03,19,388, as endorsed by the NIC.
- Two pilot courts are to be established initially in each district, and further implementation of the project will be contingent upon their satisfactory performance.
- The PWD/Delhi Government must submit a preliminary estimate for networking, live streaming platform, and data center components, ensuring optimal use of ICT equipment in the first phase.
- A status report on the implementation of these directives is to be filed on July 16, 2024.
Case Title: Anil Kumar Hajelay and Ors. v High Court of Delhi
