Supreme Court Judge Hemant Gupta speaks about success of e-Courts project

Spokesman News Service: Chandigarh, December 8: The Second National Conference of the Computer Committees of the High Courts was inaugurated today at Chandigarh Judicial Academy in the presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Hemant Gupta, Judge, Supreme Court of India, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Krishna Murari, Chief Justice, High Court of Punjab and Haryana, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice, High Court of Himachal Pradesh.

The two day conference with the theme “e-Courts Project – Exploring New Horizons”, would provide a platform for deliberations amongst all the stake holders of e-Courts Project i.e. Department of Justice, e-Committee of the Supreme Court of India, Computer Committees of High Courts, Central Project Coordinators (CPCs) of the High Courts and the Government Agencies like N.I.C. on the various issues concerning the implementation of eCourts Project and the allied matters.

Second National Conference of the Computer Committees

Addressing the conference, Justice Hemant Gupta dwelled upon the journey of judicial system from ‘Courts to e-Courts’. He highlighted the initial resistance to the infusion of information and communication technology into the judicial system. He also spoke about the success of the e-Courts project and the benefits being reaped by the public from e-Services. Justice Gupta also impressed upon getting feedback from Advocates and litigants regarding the system so as to further improve the same.

Chief Justice Krishna Murari elaborated that the judicial system has become more transparent as detailed information regarding case status and history is now available on the electronic platform which is easily and promptly accessible. Terming the e-Courts project as a big leap towards the fulfillment of Constitutional obligation of providing justice to the citizens at their doorsteps, he appreciated the efforts of Computer Committee of High Court of Punjab and Haryana in bringing the High Court amongst the front runners in the matter of Computerization.

Second National Conference of the Computer Committees

Justice Surya Kant, while emphasizing the necessity of the use of information and communication technology for making the judicial system more effective and efficient, also cautioned against over-dependence over technology in the arena requiring application of mind. Justice Dr. Ravi Ranjan, Chairman, Computer Committee, High Court of Punjab and Haryana while delivering the welcome address highlighted that the main purpose of this conference is to share achievements of all High Courts with regard to centralized concept conceived by the Hon’ble e-Committee of Supreme Court and to further exchange ideas for improvements and innovations.

All the Speakers acknowledged the contribution made by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Madan B. Lokur, Judge, Surpeme Court in making the e-Courts Project a great success. On this occasion, the High Court of Punjab and Haryana launched Case Information Software 1.0 for better connectivity with the National Judicial Data Grid. A Souvenir containing articles from all the High Courts and a book compiled by Justice Rajesh Bindal, highlighting the I.T. initiatives taken by High Court of Punjab and Haryana were also released. Justice Mahesh Grover, Chairman of Organizing Committee extended vote of thanks to all the dignitaries.