In a move towards digitization and streamlining processes, the Kerala High Court has announced the implementation of a module for machine scrutiny of bail applications.

This pioneering initiative, considered the first of its kind in India, aims to enhance efficiency and reduce delays in the scrutiny process. Developed by the High Court's technical team, the automated scrutiny system will be operational starting July 10, 2023.

Currently, manual scrutiny is carried out for bail applications, but the increasing number of such applications has necessitated the adoption of technological advancements. By introducing machine scrutiny, the court expects to address defects in the applications before they are listed for hearing, eliminating the need for extensive manual intervention.

During the initial phase, from July 10 to August 1, the e-filing module will provide the option to choose between "auto scrutiny" or "scrutiny by filing scrutiny officer" for bail applications. This period will allow for further evaluation and fine-tuning of the machine scrutiny system. Subsequently, starting from August 1, 2023, machine scrutiny will become mandatory for all bail applications, providing a standardized and efficient process.

High Court sources expressed confidence that if the machine scrutiny system proves successful for bail applications, it could be extended to other sections of the court, reducing reliance on human intervention and facilitating a more technology-driven approach to case scrutiny.

The introduction of this innovative module reflects the court's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance judicial processes, ensure fairness, and optimize resource utilization. The machine scrutiny system is expected to expedite the scrutiny process, leading to quicker resolution of bail applications and improved efficiency within the Kerala High Court.

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Rajesh Kumar