A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court of India requesting virtual access to court hearings via a mobile app to enhance accessibility. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud indicated a need for careful consideration before deciding. The upcoming hearing on October 18 will clarify the court’s stance on integrating technology in legal proceedings.
New Delhi: A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court of India seeking permission for litigants to access virtual court hearings through the apex court’s mobile application. The move aims to make court proceedings more accessible to the public, especially in the wake of the digital transformation that many sectors, including the judiciary, have witnessed.
On Monday, when the matter was presented, a Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, took note of the plea. The case has been deferred for further hearing on October 18.
“I will take stock of the situation,” remarked the CJI while adjourning the case, indicating that the court is still considering the broader implications of the petition.
The petition follows the judiciary’s broader efforts to embrace technology and digitize court proceedings. Notably, in May 2023, CJI Chandrachud emphasized that the judiciary must embrace technology for the benefit of litigants. He pointed out that the court system should be more accessible and streamlined, allowing litigants and legal professionals to participate in hearings remotely.
Despite this progressive approach, the same Bench had, in September 2023, dismissed a similar plea that sought the establishment of virtual hearing or video conferencing facilities in all district courts across India. This decision demonstrated that the judiciary was cautiously moving towards embracing technology without rushing into widespread implementation across all levels.
The petition filed for allowing virtual access to court hearings via the Supreme Court’s mobile app highlights the increasing demand for flexible and efficient court proceedings. It argues that litigants who face difficulties traveling to physical courts or attending in person would benefit from this system. Given the success of virtual hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic, such a facility could offer greater convenience and time-saving benefits for those involved in litigation.
Read Also: Supreme Court seeks response from all HCs, Tribunals on continuing virtual hearings
In October last year, CJI Chandrachud had stated that courts should not adopt technology just because he urged them to, indicating the importance of a careful, strategic approach to digital transformation in the legal system.
As the Supreme Court continues to deliberate on the current petition, it is clear that technological integration in court proceedings remains a priority. While the court is cautious about adopting digital measures at all levels, the emphasis remains on creating a system that benefits both litigants and the legal profession without compromising the sanctity of the judicial process.
The upcoming hearing on October 18 is expected to shed more light on how the court intends to balance modern technology with traditional legal practices. If the petition is accepted, it could pave the way for a more accessible and efficient legal system, enabling litigants to access the highest court in the country from virtually anywhere.
In conclusion, while the judiciary has taken significant strides in using technology to improve judicial processes, the Supreme Court’s final stance on expanding virtual court hearings through its mobile app will be eagerly awaited. CJI Chandrachud’s continued focus on innovation ensures that the legal system evolves with the times, providing fair access to justice for all.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE