2.5K courts to be equipped for online hearing

New Delhi, December 6

To boost the capability of the lower judiciary to hear cases online, funds have been released to set up video conference (VC) cabins in 2,506 court complexes across the country, Law Ministry officials said.

While Rs 5.21 crore was released in September to set up the cabins, another Rs 28.89 crore was given in October to buy equipment. The funds were provided by e-committee of the Supreme Court and Department of Justice, the officials said India has 3,288 court complexes, which house thousands of subordinate courts. Bigger court complexes with a large number of courtrooms would get multiple cabins as compared to smaller complexes.

50 lakh cases taken up virtually

• Since the nationwide lockdown was imposed to contain the pandemic till October 28, courts across the country have heard over 49.67 lakh cases virtually
• The government has procured 1,500 additional video conferencing licences for providing the facility in more courts

As courts continue to hear cases online amid Covid-19 pandemic, the government has procured 1,500 additional video conferencing licences for Rs 9 crore for providing the facility to high courts and district courts. Such licences are required for legal and extended use of the video conference facility software, the officials said. — PTI