Supreme Court Judge Urges Delhi High Court To Commence Live Streaming, Says Justice Must Be Accessible Across Board

Supreme Court judge, Justice Vikram Nath on Wednesday urged the Delhi High Court judges to commence live streaming of court proceedings. “Delhi High Court has still not gone online. Live streaming is not here in Delhi…Delhi High Court must go [live]. It is the premier institution of the country. Delhi high court must, that's my request,” he said. Justice Nath inaugurated the Delhi High Court Mobile App, e-HRMS portal for judicial officers, e-Office Pilot project and onboarding of MCD Appellate Tribunal/JJBs on e-Courts and digital preservation of judicial records. In his inaugural address, Justice Nath said that the initiatives so launched reaffirm judiciary's openness to public scrutiny and accountability. He said that every new step taken by the judiciary towards digitalization is also a step towards greater transparency, where information is not confined within files and courtrooms but is placed in the hands of citizens. “Transparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation upon which justice rests. Without it, the law remains distant. With it, the law becomes a living reality for people,” he said. The judge said that for decades, litigants and lawyers have had to endure delays, repeated visits and uncertainty of not knowing the status of their matters but now with real time updates, digital dashboards and streamlined workflows, litigants are empowered with information and tools at their fingertips. “This reduces the burden of waiting, minimizes procedural obstacles, and allows the focus to return where it belongs— on the resolution of disputes. It is important to acknowledge the inclusive nature of these initiatives, which we must continue to build on by extending digital services to tribunals and to juvenile justice boards. We are making sure that no segment of the justice system is left behind,” Justice Nath said. “Justice is not the privilege of one class of courts or one category of litigants, it must be uniform, accessible and consistent across the board, whether it is a litigant before the High Court, the juvenile before a board or the citizen before a municipal tribunal, the same promise of accessibility and efficiency must hold true,” he added. Further, the judge said that inclusivity ensures that technology becomes a bridge, not a barrier.Justice Nath remarked that the projects in question provide a solid digital foundation, ensuring that the judiciary can continue to modernize and respond to the needs of tomorrow. Emphasising that technology cannot replace the human conscience that guides the judge, Justice Nath said that technology can and will augment the capacity of judges to deliver justice swiftly and effectively. “Now, the Delhi High Court is ensuring that our institutions are ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Above all these initiatives serve as an example for courts across the country. They demonstrate that technology does not have to diminish the human element of justice, but it can strengthen it. It makes justice more accessible, more transparent and more efficient. It brings the institution closer to the citizen, and in doing so, it reminds us that the ultimate purpose of every reform, every digitized page and every new app is to serve the people,” he said. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in her special address, announced that the Delhi Government has approved increase in the remuneration of Delhi High Court law researchers from Rs. 65,000 to Rs. 80,000 per month. She also said that the government will provide free of cost Wi-Fi in all the courts in the national capital so that no inconvenience is caused to judges, lawyers and litigants due to poor network. The Chief Minister said that the Delhi government is working on civic issues with full responsibility, including continuous and monitored cleaning of garbage mountains and cleaning of river Yamuna.She also said that the government has made all sewage treatment plants in Delhi workable by repairing and updating them.Delhi High Court Chief Justice, Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya also gave the keynote address. Justice Prathiba M Singh gave the welcome address whereas Justice Sanjeev Narula gave the vote of thanks.

Supreme Court Judge Urges Delhi High Court To Commence Live Streaming, Says Justice Must Be Accessible Across Board

Nupur Thapliyal

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