Delhi HC asks e-Committee to examine technology upgrade of district courts; petitioner flags need for advance intimation on judges' leave

New Delhi [India], August 21 (ANI): The Delhi High Court has asked its e-Committee to examine issues concerning the use of technology in Delhi's District Courts, including e-inspection and e-true copies of court records, and take an appropriate decision at the administrative level at the earliest.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the directions while disposing of a public interest litigation filed by Arpit Bhargava, who appeared in person. He was assisted by advocates Sarthak Sharma, Nitasha Gupta, Astha Sharma and Amrita Dhawan.
Bhargava also raised the issue of providing advance intimation about judges being on leave, saying that such information would help lawyers and litigants plan their appearances and avoid unnecessary visits to the courts.
The PIL sought implementation of e-inspection and e-true copies rules in the District Courts and integration of other technological advancements so that the facilities available there are at par with those in the Delhi High Court.
The court noted that Bhargava had already raised the issues before the concerned authorities, including the Registrar General of the High Court, through a representation dated February 23.
Counsel appearing for the Delhi High Court informed the bench that the representation was pending consideration before the e-Committee and that certain directions had already been issued concerning e-inspection of records in the District Courts.
Taking note of the submission, the bench requested the e-Committee to examine the issues raised in Bhargava's representation and take appropriate action to address the concerns raised in the PIL.
The court directed that the decision in this regard be taken on the administrative side of the High Court as early as possible.
The bench also made it clear that if integration or augmentation of technological facilities in the District Courts requires additional funds, the requisite funds shall be made available by the concerned authority, namely the Government of NCT of Delhi.
Any request for such funds made to the Delhi government shall also be considered appropriately, the court said. (ANI)