Mandatory Video Conference Hearings At All District Courts

Written by:

Adv Arjun Sharma

Updated: 06-03-2024

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The Delhi High Court has placed a video conferencing requirement to ensure smooth court proceedings, which is a major change to the legal system in India. This progressive move aims to improve the availability and efficacy of the judicial system, guaranteeing that justice will be carried out swiftly and without needless delays. The decision was made according to the growing need for a more adaptable legal system and requirements together that it keeps up with the most recent advances in technology.

Video Conference: About

Through the use of audio or video conferencing, many people can engage in interactive face-to-face communication without having to be in the same room at the same time.

Video conferencing at Courts: Significance

A lawyer can present their case in any court in any area of India with the use of video conferencing. Several courts may hear cases in a single day. A lawyer can appear for a case in one court in the morning and argue in another later in the day.
Witnesses can testify in virtual courts from a more secure setting. Virtual hearings are also less stressful and more convenient for women, children, and abuse victims, as well as for people with disabilities who find it difficult to attend in-person courtroom sessions.
Distributive justice is a concept that virtual courts can advance, but in order to do so, the services provided by the courts must be inexpensive and available to everybody. Digital justice is quicker and less expensive. Through video conferencing, those who live in rural or distant places can participate in court hearings and avoid paying travel costs to be in the courtroom.

Why in the News?

In an effort to enhance the district court videoconferencing hearing procedure, the Delhi High Court has stepped in. With heavy visitor traffic to various court facilities, the goal of this program is to improve accessibility for litigants and the general public.

Video Conferencing Is Required: Video conferencing is required during court hours. This makes sure that remote legal procedures are accessible and ongoing.
Active Video Feed: Throughout the proceedings, the court's video feed needs to be kept active. This promotes openness and makes it possible for all parties to see proceedings in court.
Unmuted Conferencing: The court's end of the video conference shouldn't be muted unless the judge specifically orders otherwise. This makes it possible for everyone engaged to participate and communicate clearly.
Open Joining: There should be no restrictions on who can join a video conference. Unless the court orders otherwise, advocates, litigants, and the public need to be able to collaborate easily.
Display of Item Numbers: During video conference proceedings, each court is required to make sure that the item number, which indicates the order of cases being considered, is presented. This facilitates case tracking and organizing.
Court Status Updates: When the court is not in session, on leave, or when particular orders are given to limit proceedings, a message must be shown on the video conference screen. This informs participants of the court's current situation.
Reporting Requirement: Principal District & Sessions Judges must provide the Registrar General's office with a report on their video conference activity every two weeks in the manner specified by the office.

In reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak, the usage of video conferencing in Indian courts has grown dramatically in order to guarantee that the legal system functions without putting the participants' health and safety in jeopardy. The Supreme Court of India, among other high courts, has issued rules and instructions pertaining to the use of video conferencing for distant conferences and trials.

It has been acknowledged as a useful tool that has improved many people's accesses to justice, especially for those living in remote or underserved areas, despite certain challenges and concerns about its use in the Indian judiciary, including issues with security, connectivity, and fairness in trial procedures.

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