A new petition before the Supreme Court of India is seeking to allow litigants virtual access to court proceedings through the court’s mobile application, a move aimed at enhancing accessibility to judicial processes. The plea was presented to a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra this Monday, with a decision to revisit the matter on October 18.
The initiative reflects the judiciary’s ongoing commitment to integrate technology into its operations, enhancing efficiency and accessibility. Chief Justice Chandrachud has been a vocal advocate for adopting technological solutions within the judiciary to streamline procedures and make the legal system more accessible to the public and professionals alike.
Despite the judiciary’s progressive stance on technology, the Supreme Court exhibited caution, as seen in September 2023 when it dismissed a similar petition that demanded virtual hearing facilities in all district courts. This cautious approach underscores the complexity of implementing technology across diverse judicial settings without compromising procedural integrity.
The current petition highlights the growing demand for more flexible and efficient court proceedings, especially for those who find it challenging to attend in person. Advocates of the petition argue that virtual access via a mobile app could significantly benefit litigants, drawing on the positive precedent set during the COVID-19 pandemic when virtual hearings became commonplace.
In October of the previous year, CJI Chandrachud remarked on the importance of not hastily adopting technology simply because it is available, emphasizing the need for a deliberate and thoughtful approach to integrating digital tools in legal proceedings.
As the Supreme Court prepares for the upcoming hearing on October 18, the legal community and the public eagerly await further insights into how the Court will balance traditional practices with modern technological advancements. If approved, this petition could mark a significant step towards making the Supreme Court more accessible, allowing litigants nationwide to engage with the highest levels of the judiciary from virtually anywhere.
