Aayushi Srivastava –
Published on: November 05, 2021 at 11:13 IST
Supreme Court Judge Justice DY Chandrachud used video conferencing to launch Orissa’s first model Virtual Courts in Nayagarh and Angul and introduced an E-Custody certificate system that allows for easy access to jail antecedents as well as automated email services that allow for quicker case information sharing with Government Officials.
“I recently passed an order quashing preventive detention under the National Security Act solely on the ground that there was an unexplained delay at various stages in the communication of the orders, communication of the representations of the detenu. I do believe that in today’s times when we are benefited by ICT, all these tools at our command should be put to use, whether at the judiciary, the administrative wing or the legislative wing of the State. It is up to us to now utilise these initiatives to further the need to provide expeditious justice. These initiatives must be understood in the context of the criminal justice administration and the significant challenges that we face ” Justice DY Chandrachud expressed.
Appreciating the idea behind establishing such courtrooms, Justice Chandrachud remarked, “The courts shall not only provide dignity to all those who come in contact with the judicial process but also herald a new symbol in the Indian judiciary.”
Chief Justice of Odisha, Dr. Justice S. Muralidhar, and other Judges of the High Court were also present.
“Virtual courts have a big advantage in as much as there can be recording of evidence of witnesses from any location so that the trial can proceed without any hitch, and there can be specific time-slots for witnesses to appear so that there is no wastage of anyone’s time. This will greatly enhance the speed at which we conduct the trial!”, Justice S. Muralidhar stated.
Also Read: Justice D Y Chandrachud addresses delay in system of granting Bails
Live Streaming of Chief Justice’s Bench begins on Orissa HC YouTube Channel