Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has announced that all high courts in the country have been directed to conduct hearings online. This move comes as part of the judiciary's ongoing efforts to leverage technology for efficient case management and to reduce physical crowding in court premises.
Supreme Court's Video Conference Initiative
Last week, the Supreme Court decided to hear cases only through video conference on Mondays and Fridays. This decision was taken to streamline proceedings and ensure that lawyers and litigants do not have to travel to the court for routine matters. The CJI emphasized that this practice would be extended to high courts across India.
Benefits of Online Hearings
The adoption of online hearings is expected to bring several advantages. It will save time and resources for all stakeholders, including judges, lawyers, and litigants. Additionally, it will help in reducing the backlog of cases by enabling faster disposal of matters. The use of technology in judicial processes is also seen as a step towards modernizing the Indian judiciary.
Implementation Challenges
While the directive has been welcomed, there are concerns about the digital infrastructure in some parts of the country. The CJI acknowledged these challenges and assured that necessary steps would be taken to ensure seamless connectivity and access to technology for all high courts. Training programs for court staff and judges are also being planned to facilitate a smooth transition.
The Supreme Court's decision to adopt video conferencing for hearings on specific days has set a precedent. The CJI's directive to high courts underscores the judiciary's commitment to embracing digital solutions for the benefit of the justice delivery system.
