The Supreme Court, which reopened on Monday after the summer vacations, wore a new look, boasting of courtrooms equipped with digital screens, Wi-Fi connectivity, upgraded video conferencing facilities and enhanced inter-court connectivity.
This modernisation of courtrooms, apart from showcasing the ease with which the Apex Court embraced technology to upgrade its technological infrastructure, further made way for reducing reliance on paper.
Expressing his happiness over the new set up, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud said that with the removal of books and paper documents in courtrooms, more space would now be available to lawyers.
As per the CJI, the Wi-Fi connectivity would not only remain limited to the courtrooms, but would also be extended to the bar rooms and court passages.
Encouraging the stakeholders to share their feedback on the new set-up, the CJI said the lawyers will have more space now with all books and similar stuff gone from the sides. He said courtrooms numbered 1 to 5 have been made Wi-Fi enabled, adding that the bar rooms and court passages would soon be enabled with the same.
Earlier, books and documents dating back to the 1950s were kept on both sides in courtrooms, leaving little space for lawyers to stand inside.
However, the CJI said that all these books and papers, which have been shifted out of the courtrooms, would still be relied upon.
He suggested all courtrooms of the country to resemble the Apex Court.
In order to increase digital access, the top court of the country notified on Sunday that it has enabled certain areas of the premises with Wi-Fi access for lawyers, litigants and media persons.
While the service was limited to certain areas as part of its first phase, the same was expected to be extended to other areas as well in subsequent phases.
In phase 1, the facility would be extended to the Chief Justice’s courtroom, courtrooms numbered 2 to 5, corridor and plaza in front of the Courts along with press lounges I and II. It would also be available in waiting areas in front of the plaza canteen.
For availing the facility, users will have to login to SCI_WiFi. The user has to enter his or her mobile number, following which a One-Time Password (OTP) would be sent, which can then be used for authentication and log in.
The Apex Court further issued a circular, stating that free internet access would soon be extended to other areas, including all courtrooms, adjoining areas, bar libraries I and II.
In the phased manner, the ladies bar room and the bar lounge will have access to Wi-Fi soon.
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