Kerala High Court Mulls Guidelines To Reform Judicial System In Lakshadweep, Meanwhile VC Hearings Commenced

The Kerala High Court on Friday (July 04) orally observed that it would pass a detailed judgment outlining guidelines for improving the judicial system in Lakshadweep.A Special Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. was hearing a suo motu case initiated to address the issues pertaining to the judicial system in the the Union Territory.To recap, the stakeholders had convened a joint meeting in March-April 2025 and had submitted as a report to the Court detailing the particulars regarding installation of e-filing structure, creation of permanent posts of Public Prosecutor and Assistant Public Prosecutor, setting up of infrastructure for District Legal Services Authority, increasing bandwidth of internet connectivity, welfare funds for advocates practicing in the island, etc.Looking at the timelines in the said report, the Court had deferred the hearing by 3 months.When the case came up for consideration today, the Court was apprised that installation of infrastructure for setting up of e-filing equipment and videoconferencing (VC) equipment are complete. It was also informed that the courts in the Union Territory have started using VC in court proceedings but e-filing is yet to commence. The Court was further told that two training sessions for advocates and court staff regarding e-filing and VC have been completed. After a topic-wise, detailed discussion regarding the suggestions made by the Court on the Action Plan, the special bench orally observed that it will be pass a detailed judgment incorporating guidelines on each topic.The case is posted on August 1st for orders.BackgroundIn 2020, a writ petition filed by a lawyer resident in Kalpeni of Lakshadweep Islands outlining the issues related to the judicial system in the Union Territory. In 2025, a suo motu writ petition was registered by the Kerala High Court by converting the aforesaid writ petition.In January, the Court gave a direction to the High Court Administration (5th respondent) to submit a report on the facility of e-filing in the islands; procurement and provision of video conferencing in courts, including issues of power supply and connectivity; human resource and infrastructural facilities; Mediation Centre and training of Mediators; Juvenile Justice Board; Child Welfare Committees, and any other issues affecting justice delivery.Later, the Court directed to hold a joint meeting comprising the Registrar General, the District Judge, Kavaratti, a representative of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the District Collector, a nominee of the Administrator, the Superintendent of Police, an officer from the Public Works Department and other officers. The intention of the meeting was to formulate an Action Plan and to set a definite timeline for implementation. In the interim order passed, the Court also gave a list of topics to be addressed by the Action Plan, including video-conferencing and e-filing, training to advocates and court staff regarding e-filing, enhancement of bandwidth, filling up of vacant posts of court staff, creation of permanent posts of Public Prosecutor and Assistant Public Prosecutor, formulation of a Welfare Scheme for advocates, infrastructure for Legal Services Authorities, constitution of Child Welfare Committees and panel advocates, appointment of Protection and Probation Officers, establishment of Mental Healthcare Centre, etc.Case Title: In Re: Infrastructural and Other Issues Relating to Administration of Justice in the Lakshadweep IslandsCase Number: WPC No. 7547 of 2025

Kerala High Court Mulls Guidelines To Reform Judicial System In Lakshadweep, Meanwhile VC Hearings Commenced

K. Salma Jennath

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