Bengaluru: Adapting to the new normal during the Covid-19 pandemic, Karnataka High Court has adopted a hybrid video conferencing system for court proceedings. The step adopted by the High Court has been lauded by the Supreme Court, saying the lower judicial body has set a model for all the courts in the country.
The system has enabled smooth functioning of the courtroom including appearing of petitioners, advocates, justices in a single window. In addition, proceedings in the courtroom including arguments and judges' verdict are broadcast in the Court Hall in a 32-inch television screen.
The hybrid video conferencing system has been set up in 13 benches, including the High Court's Chief Justice bench. Further, the system would be expanded to a total of twenty-six locations including Kalaburagi and Dharwad benches.
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The Registrar General of the High Court and the Registrar of the Computer Division TG Shivashankare Gowda have led the digital transformation of courtrooms.
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During the first wave of Covid-19 in 2020, Zoom application was used for the Court proceedings. Obstructed by pitfalls including network issues, invisible video and inaudibility, Gowda created the hybrid video conferencing system using the best quality mic, camera, speaker, television screen and desktop at low cost. In total, the High Court has spent about Rs 38,000 for setting up the virtual system.
As the pandemic pushed the court proceedings to a standstill, the technological integration resolved the issue. As Covid cases deteriorated, the physical hearing was prioritised. But now, the sharp uptick in Covid-19 cases has again led the High Court to choose the digital alternative.
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