Chief Justice Chandrachud expresses concern over the Supreme Court’s reluctance to embrace video conferencing

Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud expressed concern over the reluctance of several high courts to fully integrate video conferencing into judicial proceedings. During a public hearing at the start of a nine-judge hearing in the constitutional bench, Chief Justice Chandrachud questioned the rationale behind some high courts requiring 48 hours’ notice to provide videoconferencing links, and others restricting access to those older than 60 years.

The Chief Justice highlighted this issue during discussions on modernizing the judicial infrastructure and implementing virtual hearings more widely to expedite legal processes. He revealed that despite significant financial investment, some courts still view videoconferencing as a luxury rather than a necessity.

From November 2023 to March 2024, around INR 850 crore was allocated for infrastructure development in high courts and district courts, with 94% of that amount being spent. These funds were part of a larger INR 7,000 crore allocated for the third phase of the e-court project, aimed at increasing judicial efficiency.

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Chief Justice Chandrachud underlined the benefits of virtual hearings, especially in reducing delays in criminal proceedings. He emphasized the need for the judiciary to make optimal use of technology to ensure that justice is delivered in a timely and efficient manner. The Chief Justice’s comments reflect a push for a more modernized and accessible judiciary, emphasizing the importance of adapting to technological advances in the legal field.