'What We've Achieved In Terms Of E-Filing Is For Perpetuity; It's A Great Convenience': Justice Chandrachud

At the same time, the judge added, "Of course, after the danger of the pandemic subsides, we will resume physical hearings".

"Even after physical hearings resume, most lawyers will be carrying their laptops. E-filing has helped large filings in most cases", he was told by an advocate appearing before him in a matter.

"Of course, after the danger of the pandemic subsides, we will resume physical hearing. But what we have achieved in terms of e-filing is for perpetuity. It is a great convenience. I work in the verandah in the mornings. I used to feel bad that people have to make 4 to 5 trips with 20 to 25 files on their shoulders. Now, it is the laptop which is the only assistance needed", said Justice Chandrachud.

The conversation began when during the course of a part-heard matter, Justice Chandrachud asked his staff to share with the other judges on the bench as also the lawyers the PDF copy of the record of the case which he himself was perusing- "The PDF ensures that everybody is on the same page. Next time there is a heavy matter, let's try this. That is how we will learn. Before we spread it to the whole court, we can experiment here. I tried this during the Army matter (permanent commission), the record was of 3,400 pages. Even while dictating the judgement, when we start struggling in looking for the supplementary affidavit that is filed by a particular lawyer or an additional affidavit submitted on the final day, it is very helpful"

The judge was speaking of a software called SCI-Interact, developed by the Court's in-house team, with the help of which, judges and lawyers will be able to access files, annexures to petitions and make soft notes on the computer itself.