In a groundbreaking move, the Supreme Court of India is set to undergo a major technological transformation, heralding the end of the paper era in courtrooms. Starting from July 3, state-of-the-art modern technology will be introduced, propelling the court into a new era of efficiency and convenience.
The changes, spearheaded by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, aim to make the court proceedings more tech-friendly and streamline the judicial process.
One of the most significant changes will be the adoption of a paperless system. Pop-up screens will replace physical copies of documents, providing judges with a digital interface to access case files and relevant information. Additionally, a digital library will replace traditional law-related books, allowing for quick and convenient access to legal resources.
The implementation of technology will also revolutionize the courtroom experience. Certain courtrooms will be equipped with two large screens, facilitating video conferences and enhancing communication between lawyers and counsel appearing remotely. Judges will have a dedicated 120-inch screen for video conferences, ensuring clear and seamless interactions.
To complement these advancements, judges will also have access to document viewer technology. This innovative feature allows documents to be displayed on a machine, visible not only to lawyers on their individual screens but also projected onto the larger screen for enhanced visibility. Lawyers, on the other hand, will be provided with smart screens for reading files and accessing relevant documents.
The modernization efforts will initially focus on courts 1, 2, and 3, with plans to gradually introduce the technology to other courtrooms. Some changes to the furniture layout will be made to accommodate the new systems effectively. Additionally, older, bulky fans will be replaced with smaller and more efficient models, improving the overall courtroom environment.
Chief Justice Chandrachud's vision for a tech-friendly court extends beyond digitizing documents and proceedings. Lawyers will be required to inform court staff in advance about the relevant judgments they intend to cite during arguments. These judgments will be searched online and shared with the judges in real-time, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of legal proceedings. Furthermore, new display boards with added features will be installed in the courtrooms, contributing to a more dynamic and interactive courtroom environment.
By embracing these technological advancements and going paperless, the Supreme Court of India aims to modernize the justice system, reduce reliance on physical documents, and foster a more efficient and accessible judicial process.
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