Embracing the Virtual Gavel

27/03/2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of justice delivery, high courts stand as pillars of legal rectitude and constitutional guardianship. The pursuit of justice, however, is not immune to the tides of technological advancement. Virtual hearing facilities, once considered a stop-gap arrangement necessitated by the global pandemic, have now showcased their potential to revolutionize judicial proceedings. It is imperative that these virtual mechanisms be recognized not as mere temporary fixes but as integral components of our judicial infrastructure. The case for promoting virtual hearings in high courts is anchored in several compelling arguments. Firstly, the accessibility of justice is vastly improved through virtual hearings. Litigants from remote locations can present their cases without the constraints of travel, accommodation costs, and the significant loss of time. This feature is particularly empowering for those with limited financial resources, for whom a trip to the high court is not just a journey but a formidable barrier to accessing justice. Secondly, virtual hearings offer a solution to the perennial problem of case backlog. With the ability to conduct hearings more efficiently and with greater frequency, high courts can make substantial inroads into the mountains of pending cases. The time saved in the physical logistics of court proceedings can be redirected towards the adjudication process, thereby enhancing the overall productivity of the judiciary.
Thirdly, environmental sustainability is an often-overlooked benefit of virtual courtrooms. With a reduced need for physical transportation for lawyers, clients, and court staff, the carbon footprint associated with the justice delivery system can be significantly diminished. This aligns with broader governmental and societal goals of reducing emissions and combating climate change. Despite these advantages, the migration to a virtual system is not without its challenges. Concerns regarding the digital divide and the availability of technology to all strata of society must be addressed. Ensuring that virtual hearings do not inadvertently exclude those without access to the necessary technology is crucial. This requires investment in infrastructure and digital literacy programs to equip citizens with the means and knowledge to engage with the justice system online. Moreover, the sanctity of judicial proceedings must be upheld in the virtual realm. This means robust cybersecurity measures to protect the confidentiality and integrity of court proceedings. The credibility of the virtual hearing system depends on its ability to resist hacking, unauthorized access, and other forms of cyber threats. To successfully promote virtual hearing facilities, a systemic and structured approach is required. High courts must establish clear guidelines and protocols for virtual hearings, standardizing processes to ensure fairness and consistency. Training for judges, court staff, and the legal community is essential to smoothly transition to this new mode of operation. Furthermore, a feedback mechanism should be in place to continuously assess and improve the virtual court experience for all stakeholders.
The promotion of virtual hearing facilities in high courts is not a mere convenience but a necessity in the quest for a more accessible, efficient, and sustainable justice system. While vigilance is necessary to mitigate the risks associated with this transition, the potential rewards for the judiciary and the people it serves are too substantial to ignore. It is time to embrace the virtual gavel and cement its place as a mainstay of our legal framework, ensuring that justice is not only done but is seen to be done, from anywhere and at any time.

Photo Gallery

BSE Sensex

NSE Nifty