Technology not for pandemic only, says Supreme Court to HCs

In a stern message, the Supreme Court on Monday asked all Chief Justices of the High Courts to adopt technology and not disband the infrastructure set for virtual hearings or insist on physical presence of lawyers.

The top court noted that in this year’s budget, Rs 7000 crores has been made available for e-courts, which will be used for improving the infrastructure in all the district courts also. “HCs need to learn that technology is to be used. This is public money,” it said.

“I will tell you the problem. Some of the Chief Justices are doing this (not allowing virtual hearings) and I’m very deeply disturbed by this. What some of the Chief Justices are doing is, all the money which we have spent,