With just six working days left before incumbent Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud’s retires on November 10, HS Jaggi, the Registrar (Technology) of the Supreme Court, on Thursday (Oct 24) explained to SC correspondents the working of the apex court’s War Room which was inaugurated on August 23, 2024, by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud. It is equipped with technology that allows the court to monitor judicial data in real-time across the country.
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NEW DELHI: With only six working days remaining before the retirement of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud on November 10, a significant innovation within the Indian judicial system is taking shape.
On Thursday, HS Jaggi, the Registrar (Technology) of the Supreme Court, provided an insightful explanation to Supreme Court correspondents regarding the newly inaugurated War Room, a technological marvel designed to enhance judicial efficiency across the country.
Officially launched by CJI Chandrachud on August 23, 2024, this War Room enables the real-time monitoring of judicial data throughout the nation.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Judicial Monitoring
The War Room is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, offering unprecedented capabilities in the Indian judicial landscape.
It is designed to closely monitor various aspects of the Supreme Court’s daily operations, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
What Does the War Room Look Like?
One side of the War Room features a large video wall, while the other side consists of workstations manned by a dedicated team of officials. These officials monitor and oversee the day-to-day functions of the Supreme Court.
The War Room becomes fully operational as early as 8 AM each day, ensuring the smooth running of judicial activities.
Explaining the challenges involved in running such a high-tech facility, Hargurvarinder Singh Jaggi, Registrar (Technology), shared-
“In this War Room, we keep a very close eye on what’s going on inside all 17 courts. We have to be very cautious that the live-streaming of the Constitution bench goes well, but the real challenge is when we have some public interest cases in court and the video conferencing facility has a limited capacity. So far we have managed things well.”
Live-Streaming and Beta Testing
When asked about the ongoing beta testing phase for the live-streaming of other courts, Jaggi added-
“It’s in a testing phase and we will continue improving on various aspects as and when we receive suggestions.”
The team behind this innovation is focused on refining the process, incorporating feedback to ensure optimal functionality for broader court use.
The Vision Behind the War Room
The War Room is a visionary initiative by CJI Chandrachud, who has played a key role in bringing this technology to the forefront.
The system integrates data from the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), a powerful tool that provides real-time information on case pendency across the country, allowing the judiciary to respond efficiently.
The Team Powering the War Room
The Supreme Court’s Information Technology (IT) team plays a crucial role in the War Room’s operations. The team includes experts such as Shah Nawaj, Tejinder Singh, and Pavan Prathapa, who work together to ensure seamless monitoring of cases from the initial filing stages to their final disposition.
Using advanced data analytics and technology, they ensure the flow of cases is meticulously tracked.
Ashish J Shiradhonkar, Registrar (OSD), Technology Innovation Planning, and the driving force behind India’s e-court project, also elaborated on the detailed process of how data is compiled and made available on the court’s official website.
Ensuring Security and Managing Foot Traffic
In addition to monitoring judicial processes, the War Room is equipped with tools to track the number of people entering the Supreme Court premises daily. This system is essential for maintaining security and ensuring smooth operations during peak times.
When the footfall breaches the 10,000-mark, the team informs Mahesh T Patankar, Registrar, Courts & Building, so that he can take the necessary steps in time, ensuring that necessary precautions are taken to manage the crowds effectively.
Tracking Case Files in Real-Time
The War Room also tracks the movement of case files within the registry, providing real-time data on file progression. It allows officials to know which officers are handling specific cases and how many pending files they are responsible for.
This level of transparency ensures accountability within the registry system. Additionally, the virtual justice clock, another innovation aimed at improving efficiency, operates from the same War Room, keeping a close watch on case timelines.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s War Room represents a significant step toward integrating technology with judicial processes, aiming to create a more transparent, efficient, and responsive legal system.
From live-streaming public interest cases to monitoring real-time foot traffic and file movement, the War Room is poised to revolutionize how justice is administered in India.
As HS Jaggi aptly noted,
“So far we have managed things well, and with continued refinements, this technological leap will further enhance the Supreme Court’s functioning in the years to come.”
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on CJI Chandrachud
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