Kerala High Court Directs Formation Of 'Lakshadweep Judicial Administration & Infrastructure Committee' To Improve Access To Justice In UT

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (August 21) directed the formation of a body called the 'Lakshadweep Judicial Administration and Infrastructure Committee' for finding long-terms solutions to improve the judicial administration and infrastructure of the Union Territory (UT) of Lakshadweep.The committee shall consist of the Registrar General of the High Court, Principal District Judge of Kavaratti, District Collector of Kavaratti, nominee of the UT Administrator, Superintendent of Police (Kavaratti), Superintendent Engineer of PWD, Registrar (Computerisation) and representative of National Informatics Centre (NIC).The writ petition was filed by a lawyer resident in Kalpeni of Lakshadweep Islands in 2020 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.The Special Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. observed:"With the positive stand taken by the Union Territory Administration during the hearing of this petition and in the meetings, many issues were resolved by consensus of UT Administration and the High Court Administration. Pursuant to our directions over the last six months, joint meetings were held, the officers met, discussed the issues, found solutions, and evolved timelines...However, for long-term solutions, these informal initiatives need to be formalised in the form of a permanent committee - “Lakshadweep Judicial Administration and Infrastructure Committee”." In the 60-page judgment, the Court goes in detail into the topography and legal history of the Union Territory. Thereafter, it deals with different topics e-filing and video conferencing court system, power supply, physical court infrastructure, non-judicial court staff, Family Court, Legal Services Authority, Public Prosecutors, advocates, mukhtyars, authorities under the Juvenile Justice Act, Mental Health Care, authorities under the Domestic Violence Act, Probation Officers, Committee under the NDPS Act, and other topics.e-filing and video conferencing court systemThe Court noted that the facilities should be extended to all inhabited island in the Union Territory and not just the three islands where courts are located. Since e-filing rules have not yet been notified fo the UT and the the national e-filing portal does not list it, the Court thought it fit that this be taken up with the NIC."The need is greatest on islands without courts. For the present, it would be feasible to utilise the office of the Deputy Collector on each island for setting up e-Sewa Kendras. e-Sewa Kendras can assist the locals in using these initiatives. The e-Sewa Kendras can be manned by regular staff or volunteers. The e-Sewa Kendras help to overcome the digital divide...We reiterate and emphasise that extending these facilities to all inhabited islands in Lakshadweep is of utmost necessity to reduce the disadvantages of distance and isolation, and to make justice accessible to all the residents of the islands," it was observed. Power supplyThe Court suggested installation of solar plants in court complexes and where it is not feasible, usage of diesel generator or inverters to ensure uninterrupted power supply. It further observed:"The process of securing a stable power supply for judicial infrastructure in the islands has to be expedited. Reliable electricity is essential for the effective functioning of e-Courts, video conferencing, and e-filing, all of which depend on uninterrupted power. Therefore, this initiative has to be treated as a priority."Physical Court InfrastructureThe Court noted that construction of new annexes are proposed in the three islands of Kavaratti, Amini and Andrott, where courts are presently situated. It also remarked on the importance of maintaining heritage buildings. It felt that the official quarters for the District Judge at Kavaratti and the ChiefJudicial Magistrate at Amini do not require immediate attention.The Court further observed:"...A court complex is not merely a building; it is the seat of justice. Strengthening infrastructure enhances access to justice, improves efficiency, and bridges the gap between the ideals of justice and their realisation. This legal position, underscored by the Hon'ble Supreme Court, applies equally to judicial infrastructure in Lakshadweep. All aspects of court infrastructure in Lakshadweep have to be taken up by the UT Administration on a priority basis."Non-judicial court staffThe Court noted that UT Administration has agreed to form a committee with representatives of its service department and the District Judiciary, Kavaratti, to discuss the proposal for formulating a separate cadre and service for the judiciary in the UT. This was directed to be taken up on a priority basis."An exclusive recruitment mechanism for the judicial department in Lakshadweep is imperative and needs to be created by framing separate...

Kerala High Court Directs Formation Of 'Lakshadweep Judicial Administration & Infrastructure Committee' To Improve Access To Justice In UT

K. Salma Jennath

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