Adoption of Video Conferencing By Indian Judiciary

Use of ICT for judicial purposes in India has always been a big failure. Whether it is the e-courts project of India or any other similar mission mode e-governance project of government, by and large judicial system of India is still avoiding ICT for judicial purposes. What can be expected from individual judges when the governmental machinery and system itself has collapsed?

Fortunately, we have some good lawyers and judges in India who believe in dispensation of justice in all possible situations. For instance, the exclusive e-courts training and consultancy centre of India is managed by a world renowned techno-legal firm Perry4Law through its Managing Partner Praveen Dalal. It has the potential to transform Indian judicial system by establishing and maintaining e-courts all over India.

Another example has recently come to my knowledge. Following the plea of government pleader SH Shah, fourth additional district and sessions judge RN Dave permitted the recording of statements by video conferencing. “The complainant, Ravishankar Yadav, was rendered paralysed from waist down since the attack on him on December 7, 2006 by the four accused. Unable to move, his family has shifted him to their native village of Ganjawar of Allahabad district of Uttar Pradesh. Hence, I pleaded for permission of video conferencing.” Shah said.

Examples like these deserve more public attention and media coverage. At the same time the law minister must make it sure that judicial reforms and legal reforms do take place in India. Nothing can make Indian judicial and legal system more transparent, fair and efficient than use of ICT for judicial and legal purposes. The government must also provide training to police, lawyer, judges etc in this regard.

AUTHOR: TECHTALK

SOURCE: CIO