Acting Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia Inaugurates Hybrid Video Conferencing Facility In Punjab & Haryana HC, District Courts & Other IT Initiatives

The Acting Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia on Wednesday, inaugurated four I.T. initiatives i.e. Hybrid Video Conferencing in High Court and in all District Courts in states of Punjab, Haryana and U.T. Chandigarh, free public Wi-fi in High Court premises, Inventory Management Software (IMS) for District Courts & 'Neutral Citation Phase-II (QR Code).

On this occasion, Justice Lisa Gill, Chairperson Computer Committee, Members of the Computer Committee and all other Judges of the High Court were present.

The inaugural function was also attended by all the District and Sessions Judges in the States of Punjab, Haryana and U.T. Chandigarh through virtual mode.

"Hybrid Video Conferencing eliminates geographical barriers, enabling participants to join court proceedings remotely and proves to be advantageous for individuals with disabilities or those residing in remote areas. Moreover, the use of hybrid video conferencing streamlines the evidence recording process, minimizing delays caused by scheduling conflicts, transportation issues, and courtroom congestion resulting in better management of time of the Judges and legal professionals, focusing on substantive legal matters rather than administrative tasks," the official press release stated.

It added further that Under this project, 2 HD digitally zoom PTZ cameras with integrated digital sound system and 4K Codec system have been installed in each Court.

Furthermore, two LED screens have been installed in each Court so that a party appearing remotely are visible to Judges and Advocates. Dedicated V.C. links have been created for each Court to provide seamless Court proceedings through hybrid mode. This facility has been implemented in all Courts of the High Court as well as in the District Courts of Punjab, Haryana and U.T. Chandigarh.

Free public Wi-Fi was also launched within the High Court premises for advocates and litigants to enhance accessibility to legal resources and information, enabling advocates to conduct legal research, access case files, and communicate with clients more efficiently. 

This facility will cover corridors, courtrooms, public area, Mediation Centre and Bar Association. Under this project, the latest secured Wi-fi access points have been installed.

Inventory Management Software (I.M.S.) is an in-house developed software to facilitate paperless distribution, delivery maintenance, and AMC's/warranty of IT Hardware in District Court.

QR codes on judgment/final order in High Courts were introduced to enhance accessibility and transparency by providing quick and easy access to detailed case information for legal professionals, researchers, and the general public. With a simple scan, the user can access the digital judgment.

Launch of the above I.T. initiatives marks yet another commitment of the Punjab & Haryana Court to reach to the last citizen of the country and maximize the use of technology in the dispensation of justice, the note added.

Click here to read press note