In a noteworthy administrative shift, the Allahabad High Court has taken the significant step of reclaiming the task of case listing from the National Informatics Centre (NIC), introducing a new Court Case Management System. This move comes as a response to ongoing issues and dissatisfaction with the NIC’s handling of case listings.
Previously, the NIC had been entrusted with the case listing function for about four to five years. However, recurring problems and irregularities in the listing process led to growing discontent among lawyers and other court stakeholders. There were allegations of arbitrary listing practices by NIC employees, leading to confusion and inefficiencies in court proceedings. Instances were noted where cases that were either disposed of or canceled were still being listed, prompting the court to order investigations into these matters.
In light of these challenges, the administration of the Allahabad High Court decided to take control of the case listing process. The High Court’s own staff will now handle this crucial function, supported by a newly developed software system designed to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
The transition to this new system, however, has not been without its initial hiccups. On the first day of its implementation, some disruptions were reported in the hearing of cases, leading to the passing of ‘no adverse order’ directives by the court. The High Court Bar Association President, Ashok Singh, anticipates that similar situations might persist for a couple of days as the new system stabilizes.
Former High Court Bar Association President Radhakant Ojha highlighted the challenges faced under the NIC-managed system, which was governed by the central government. This arrangement made it difficult for the High Court administration to directly address inefficiencies and irresponsibility in case listings, adversely impacting lawyers and litigants.
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Advocates had previously agitated for a change and the reinstatement of the old system during Ojha’s tenure as president, but those efforts had not materialized then. With the new Court Case Management System now in place, there is an expectation that after initial teething problems, the system will start functioning effectively, easing the listing process for advocates and litigants alike.
This development marks a significant change in the judicial administration process at the Allahabad High Court, reflecting a broader trend of courts taking proactive steps to modernize and streamline their operations for improved legal proceedings.
