In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India recently dismissed a plea seeking the establishment of evening courts and virtual hearing facilities in all district courts across the country.
The Supreme Court emphasized that India’s judicial system is too vast and complex to implement a one-size-fits-all solution through judicial orders. The bench highlighted that such issues are already being addressed under the ongoing e-Courts project, which aims to integrate technology into the judicial process.
Chief Justice Chandrachud pointed out the logistical challenges involved in implementing virtual hearing facilities uniformly across all district courts. He noted that different states face unique issues, and it is impractical to mandate a uniform solution. For instance, while some High Courts have efficiently utilized allocated funds for technological upgrades, others face challenges such as finding suitable vendors.
Controversial Proposal
The plea also included a request for the establishment of evening courts to handle the backlog of cases. However, the Supreme Court dismissed this suggestion, noting that the legal community itself might oppose such a move due to the already heavy workload faced by lawyers. The Court expressed concerns that extending working hours could lead to burnout and reduced efficiency among legal professionals.
Trust in High Courts
The Supreme Court underscored the importance of trusting High Courts to manage their resources and address their specific needs. The bench noted that High Courts have robust Information and Communication Technology (ICT) committees that are better positioned to make decisions regarding the implementation of virtual hearing facilities and other technological advancements.