Amidst the coronavirus epidemic, most of the courts across the country are still hearing the cases virtually. In view of this, the Central Government has started the process of purchasing 1500 additional video conferencing licenses to provide this facility for the High Court and District Courts. It will cost about nine crore rupees. This information was given by a senior officer.
According to data from the Union Law Ministry, more than 2.6 million cases were heard in high courts and district courts across the country from the first day of nationwide lockdown to the end of September to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Between 24 March and 21 September, 25 high courts jointly heard 6,88,318 cases through video conferencing. Around 19,000 district courts heard 19,33,492 cases in a virtual manner during this period. Thus, 26,21,810 cases were heard through video conferencing.
Now the government has started the process of purchasing 1500 additional video conferencing licenses. This facility will be made available in the High Court and district courts. Such a license is required for the extension and legalization of video conference use. Some video conference apps were shortlisted during the recent self-sufficient app challenge. The government will be based on indigenous technology for video conferencing, on testing and its success, used by a group of 150 or more people. Its biggest beneficiaries will be the Justice Department.