Delhi HC Directs All District Judges To File Status Reports On Status Of Display Boards In Their District Courts
The Delhi High Court issued notice to the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi(GNCTD) and the Union of India (UOI) regarding the inconvenience caused by non-functional display boards in the District Courts of Delhi and has directed all district judges to file status reports on the subject.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by an Advocate before the Delhi High Court to make the display boards functional in the Districts Courts of Delhi. According to the petitioner, it concerns the crucial role of technology in expediting legal proceedings, ensuring transparency in the courts and smooth regulation of implemented facilities.
The Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora ordered, "All the District Judges are directed to file status reports on the administrative side through the Registrar General of this Court indicating the status of display boards in their district Courts within four weeks. The Registry is directed to send a copy of this order to the Registrar General for his information".
The Petitioner Mukul Sharma appeared in person and Divyam Nandrajog Panel Counsel appeared for GNCTD and Ripu Daman CGSC for Union of India.
The petition has been filed for the benefit of the judicial officers, bar, litigants and court stakeholders which includes the court staff members who face difficulties due to non-functional display boards. He submitted that these display boards have been non-operational for several years, raising substantial questions about the successful implementation of digitization in district courts.
The Petitioner had approached the Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice and the Chief Secretary, GNCTD, vide written letters, requesting the urgent intervention of the authorities. Aggrieved by their alleged inaction, the petitioner filed the present PIL.
The Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, on various occasions, has highlighted the importance of technological advancement in the judiciary and in courtroom proceedings, fostering transparency and accountability.
The Delhi High Court also launched various digital initiatives for technological advancements and improving the justice delivery system, including the introduction of LAYERS (Linked Applications and Extended Reporting Systems), Digital Court Software, human resource management systems, inventory management systems etc. in district courts in Delhi.
The matter will now be listed on April 16.
Cause Title: Mukul Sharma v. Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi & Anr.
Appearance:
Petitioner: Petitioner-in-person Mukul Sharma
Respondents: Divyam Nandrajog, Panel Counsel, Advocate Jatin Dua, Ripu Daman Bhardwaj, CGSC, Kushagra Kumar, GP.