'Technology is here to stay'- SC orders continuing hearing via video conferencing amid Corona

The apex court on Monday said that all hearing in a congregation must be suspended and the court will function via video conferencing to stop the spread of Coronavirus. CJI SA Bobde underlining the importance of technology and wrapping up the hearing for the case remarked, "This can not be seen as a temporary issue. Technology is here to stay."

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday while hearing the suo moto case for guidelines on court functioning via video conferencing said that all hearing in a congregation must be suspended as it is necessary to contain the COVID-19 spread.

Adding further, the apex court observed technology has facilitated the accessibility and connectivity and Indian courts have been proactive in harnessing technology. Untill appropriate rules are framed by the High Courts, video conferencing will be used for hearing.

The bench comprising of the CJI SA Bobde, Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice L Nageswara Rao, adressing the technical glitches in conducting hearing via video conferencing, directed all the courts to maintain a helpline for grievances regarding video feed and line during and immediately after hearing.

It clearified that evidence will not be recorded via video conferencing in any case and if must be recorded then social distance has to be ensured inside the court room.

The court asked the NIC to look into which is the most efficient and cheap application that can be used by all lawyers across the country.

NIC said that for video conferencing, good broadband connection, good devices and the conduct of people is required. If one person is speaking others must put the device on mute.

NIC will contruct guidelines on how to conduct video conferencing calls and it would be sent to the courts and lawyers.NIC state officials to be appointed to liaise with and support the HCs.

The court ordered that no presiding officer will restrict entry of the parties to the case unless the parties are suffering any health problems but the officer will have the power to adjourn a case if the crowd doesn't get managed.

It directed that High Courts be allowed to employ measures for social distancing through use of technology.Courts have to make appropriate arrangements for litigants who can not access video conferencing facilities.

CJI SA Bobde underlining the importance of technology and wrapping up the hearing for the case remarked, "This can not be seen as temporary issue. Technology is here to stay."

The matter has been adjourned for 4 weeks for hearing.