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The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought response of its administration on wifi and mobile network facilities available in its premises and that of all the district courts in the national capital.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed the High Court administration to file a status report within four weeks.

The Court was dealing with a PIL seeking directions to ensure reliable, high-speed and uninterrupted mobile network and internet or Wi-Fi connectivity inside every courtroom and throughout court complexes across the national capital.

The Court asked High Court's counsel to file a status report also including the deficiencies faced in ensuring wifi and mobile network facilities in the courts and how the same can be improved.

“File a status report. If you come across any deficiency which can be improved or for budget, make a mention of that so that we can issue directions to the GNCTD to provide you budget funds. That is the purpose of your impleadment here,” the Court told the counsel.

The Court directed that the status report shall also indicate the manner in which the services can be enhanced so as to augment the said facilities.

The matter will now be heard on December 09.

The plea has been filed by Advocate Shannu Baghel who was appearing in person.

The petition contends that in the present era of e-filing, electronic records, video-conferencing and hybrid hearings, reliable internet connectivity has become an essential component of judicial infrastructure rather than merely a matter of convenience.

He thus seeks a courtroom-wise technical audit to identify areas where mobile network or Wi-Fi connectivity is absent, weak or intermittent, along with directions to eliminate network dead zones and prescribe minimum connectivity standards.

According to the petition, inadequate connectivity inside courtrooms can directly interfere with the administration of justice. It further states that lawyers should not be compelled to leave a courtroom or interrupt proceedings merely to search for a network signal to access a virtual hearing, electronic record, court portal or other digital court service.

It has also been argued that poor connectivity affects advocate-client communication, particularly immediately before or during hearings when instructions, documents or clarifications may be required.

The plea seeks a direction on the authorities to ensure functional mobile network and internet connectivity inside every courtroom in Delhi, and to install dedicated Wi-Fi access points, signal enhancement systems, repeaters or other infrastructure as required.

The plea also seeks a courtroom-wise network connectivity survey or audit and establishment of a mechanism for immediate reporting and rectification of network failures during court working hours.

Title: SHANNU BAGHEL v. GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI

Case Number: W.P.(C)-12729/2026

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