Chief Justice of India (CJI) criticized certain High Courts for mandating a 48-hour notice or age restrictions for sharing video-conferencing links. This change saves time and conserves significant resources, allowing professionals like doctors and forensic experts to contribute more effectively to their primary duties without the logistical burden of court appearances.
NEW DELHI: Today (25th April): Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud criticized the restrictive practices of some state High Courts in granting access to video conferencing links. His remarks, made during a nine-judge Constitution Bench hearing, highlighted the issue of judicial accessibility in India.
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Chief Justice Chandrachud pointed out that despite the advancements in virtual court technologies, certain High Courts perceive video conference hearings as a privilege rather than a necessary evolution towards more accessible justice.
He raised a pertinent question:
why should lawyers and litigants be subjected to stringent conditions, such as a 48-hour advance notice or an age limit of over 60 years, to obtain video conferencing links? This condition not only limits access but also detracts from the efficiency that technology aims to bring to the judicial process.
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Chief Justice Chandrachud revealed that a substantial amount of Rs 850 crore had been allocated for enhancing the infrastructure of High Courts and district courts between November 2023 and March 2024. This funding is part of the Rs 7,000 crore earmarked for the third phase of the e-courts project, with High Courts spending 94% of the allocated amount. These steps are vital for upgrading the judicial framework to support digital functionalities comprehensively.
The Chief Justice also touched upon the operational benefits of virtual hearings and video conferencing. By minimizing physical appearances in courts for tasks that can be managed electronically, such as testimonies or evidential presentations, the judicial system can avoid unnecessary delays in criminal trials.
This change saves time and conserves significant resources, allowing professionals like doctors and forensic experts to contribute more effectively to their primary duties without the logistical burden of court appearances.
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The Supreme Court of India is leading by example in embracing digital solutions. With initiatives like to a robust cloud infrastructure, Meghraj Cloud 2.0, managed by the National Informatics Centre, the judiciary is moving towards a future where court processes are significantly more streamlined and accessible.
Chief Justice Chandrachud for removing unnecessary barriers in accessing video conferencing facilities reflects a critical need to reform traditional practices that hinder the justice delivery system. As India continues to invest in judicial digitization, it is imperative that these technologies are leveraged to their fullest potential to ensure equitable access to justice for all citizens.
