Delhi High Court Issues Directives For Prompt Implementation Of Hybrid Courts Project

A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora issued the order after thorough deliberations and assessments of the revised estimate proposals and specifications from the Public Works Department (PWD).

Advocate Amit George appeared for the Respondent.

In October 2021, the Court had instructed its Registrar General to seek expert opinions from relevant fields, leading to engagement with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Delhi for expert advice. Following multiple consultations, the NIC approved the proposed configuration for hybrid courts but emphasized the need for networking components, a live streaming platform, and a data center, recommending their inclusion in the next phase of the project.

Reports from the office of the Principal Secretary (Law, Justice & LA) of the Delhi government stated that a preliminary estimate dated April 19, 2024, amounting to ₹387 crores, was submitted to seek exemption from the Model Code of Conduct from the Election Commission of India (ECI) due to the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections.

Acknowledging the urgency emphasized by Advocate the Court highlighted the necessity to expedite the project, especially with recent mandates making hybrid hearings and e-filing compulsory in district courts.

Joint Registrar (J) (CPC) for Registrar General Abhilash Malhotra emphasized the integral nature of networking infrastructure, data center, and live streaming platform in the project. He stressed the importance of robust networking for optimal ICT equipment utilization and the significance of a dedicated live streaming platform for regulatory compliance.

In response, the Court issued the following directives:

a. GNCTD is directed to forthwith expedite the financial sanction in respect of all the 691 Courts as stated in preliminary estimate dated 19th April, 2024 for a sum of Rs.387,03,19,388/- as per the configuration approved by NIC and to implement the same on priority.

b. Two pilot Courts be also set up initially in each district and in case the performance is found satisfactory, the project be implemented in all the Courts.

c. In the interregnum period, PWD/GNCTD is directed to submit a preliminary estimate qua the components of networking, live streaming platform and data centre on priority so that the ICT equipments which will be installed in first phase can be put to their optimum use. The Registrar General shall consider the said proposal in consultation with NIC and office or Chairman, IT & Digitization, Delhi District Courts.

A status report on the implementation of these directives is to be filed on July 16, 2024.

Cause Title: Anil Kumar Hajelay & Ors. v. Honble High Court of Delhi

Appearance:

Respondent: Advocates Amit George, Ankaneil Bhaumik and Adhishwar Suri, Advocates for R.1 along with & Abhilash Malhotra (CPC), Anug Aggarwal, ASC with Arshya Singh, Aakash Dahiya, Yash Upadhyay, Siddhant Dutt and Mahak Rankawat, for R-2.