Bilaspur, December 21, 2024 — The High Court of Chhattisgarh, under the inspiring leadership of Hon’ble Justice Shri Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice, marked a significant milestone in its journey towards technological advancement with the iPad Distribution Ceremony held at the High Court Auditorium. The event, organized at the High Court of Chhattisgarh, carried the theme, “Illuminating the Digital Dark for Access to Justice and Equipping Judicial Officers with iPads as the Way Forward.”
Graced by the presence of Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Rajani Dubey, Chairperson of the Committee to Monitor the Functioning of CSJA, alongside the esteemed Judges of the High Court of Chhattisgarh, the event witnessed the distribution of iPads to Judicial officers, symbolizing a transformative stride towards enhancing efficiency and accessibility in judicial processes.
In his presidential address, Hon’ble Justice Shri Ramesh Sinha emphasized the vital role of technology in modernizing the judiciary. “These devices are catalysts for efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity in delivering justice. The distribution of iPads today is not merely an event but a testament to our commitment to equipping judicial officers with tools essential for navigating the digital landscape,” remarked Hon’ble The Chief Justice.
Reflecting on the evolution of legal processes, Hon’ble The Chief Justice highlighted the paradigm shift brought about by e-courts, digital case management systems, and virtual hearings. His Lordship underscored, “While technology bridges gaps, it must also uphold the human essence of justice.” Citing Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, His Lordship reminded the audience that “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”
His Lordship expressed, “In this era of rapid technological advancements, we stand at the confluence of law and technology. The digital age has revolutionized every aspect of our lives, including how we perceive, interpret, and implement justice. It is our duty to harness the potential of technology while ensuring its responsible and ethical use.”
The inaugural session was followed by a technical session on “Cyber Crimes and Digital Evidence,” aimed at enhancing the technological proficiency of Judicial Officers. Hon’ble The Chief Justice underscored the importance of such sessions, urging participants to actively engage and integrate technological advancements into their practice for grassroots-level accessibility to justice.
His Lordship highlighted, “As we look forward to the future, it is essential to reflect on the history of legal research and its evolution. From bulky volumes of law reports in libraries to comprehensive digital databases accessible at the click of a button, we have come a long way. These advancements have not only saved time but have also broadened the horizons of legal research, making it more inclusive and far-reaching.”
Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Rajani Dubey delivered the welcome address in the inaugural session, setting the tone for a cohesive event focused on bridging the digital divide. As Chairperson of the Committee to Monitor the Functioning of CSJA, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble The Chief Justice for this initiative. The vote of thanks for the inaugural session of the event was delivered by the Director of the State Judicial Academy.
Establishing Court buildings, dispensaries, post offices, childcare facilities, and residential quarters for judicial staff has been a longstanding priority for Hon’ble The Chief Justice. From the outset of his tenure, His Lordship has envisioned enhancing the judicial and technological skills of officers, including providing high-end iPads, to elevate Chhattisgarh’s judiciary to new heights. Under His Lordship’s visionary leadership, the state has witnessed remarkable improvements in judicial infrastructure, ensuring greater convenience for litigants and improved working conditions for judicial officers and staff.
This forward-looking initiative aligns with Hon’ble The Chief Justice’s vision to illuminate the digital dark, ensuring that justice is not just delivered but is accessible to all. His Lordship’s commitment to fostering a digitally empowered judiciary resonated throughout the ceremony, inspiring Judicial Officers to embrace technology as a means to strengthen the justice delivery system.
During the occasion, under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble The Chief Justice, 200 iPads equipped with advanced technological features were distributed to the Judicial Officers. These devices are designed to enhance and streamline their judicial functioning, promoting efficiency and modernizing the justice delivery system in Chhattisgarh.
The event was graced by Hon’ble Judges of the High Court Hon’ble Mr. Justice Narendra Kumar Vyas, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Naresh Kumar Chandravanshi, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sachin Singh Rajput, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arvind Kumar Verma, and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad.
The event was attended by nearly 260 judicial officers from the State of Chhattisgarh, including Principal District and Sessions Judges. It was also attended by Registrar General Shri K. Vinod Kujur, Officers from High Court Registry, Director, and Officers of Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy.
Hon’ble The Chief Justice expressed his thanks to the Hon’ble Judges of the High Court who have attended the session, participating members of the District judiciary, representatives of electronic and print media, and all those who contributed either directly or indirectly to the success of this program.
