HC launches e-filing counters for judicial efficiency
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 22 2024: Chief Justice of High Court of Manipur, Siddharth Mridul on Thursday inaugurated e-filing counters for the High Court Bar Association, All Manipur Bar Association, and District Bar Associations, launched a recruitment website and case display application, and distributed Apple MacBooks and iPads to judicial officers as part of the court's initiatives aimed at transforming the judicial system in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, chief justice Mridul emphasised that the initiatives underscore the judiciary's unwavering commitment to advancing justice through the adoption of modern technology and exuded confidence that it would help transform the way justice is delivered in Manipur.

These advancements also testify the judiciary's dedication to making the system more accessible, efficient, and transparent for all citizens, he maintained and stressed the importance of continual evolution within the judiciary to meet the needs of a dynamic society.

The chief justice also highlighted that integrating technology into judicial processes would enable the judiciary to reduce delays, minimise paperwork, and ensure that justice is delivered swiftly and effectively, making it both seen and done.

Reflecting on his initial days as the chief justice, Siddharth Mridul conceded that the state's diverse topography and scattered population presented unique challenges in delivering timely and effective justice.

The CJ emphasised that the answer to these challenges lies in harnessing the power of technology.

Initiatives like hybrid hearings and e-filing are bridging the gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring that justice is a right that transcends geography, not a privilege limited by proximity.

While outlining the vision for enhancing digital infrastructure of the courts, beginning with the district courts, he expressed that equipping judicial officers with the latest technology, such as MacBooks and iPads and extending the same to the Bar Associations with inauguration of e-filing counters and provision of requisite items to Bar Associations across the state, with exception of Tamenglong and Jiribam, would benefit all.

Chief Justice Mridul also highlighted the importance of training programmes for judicial officers, advocates, and staff to ensure they are well-versed in e-filing and hybrid hearings.

Funding has been secured from the department of law and justice, Government of India, for these training programmes, which will be conducted in collaboration with the Manipur Judicial Academy at the district and taluk levels.

Additionally, a programme will be instituted to train advocates as master trainers within each Bar Association, who will then train their peers within their respective jurisdictions.

The CJ extended his appreciation to Justices A Bimol Singh and A Guneshwar Sharma, chairperson and member of the Computer Committee respectively, for their meticulous planning and visionary outlook in augmenting the IT infrastructure of the High Court and the district courts.

Furthermore, Chief Justice Mridul announced the launch of a new recruitment website designed to streamline and enhance recruitment processes to ensure that vacant posts, particularly for key positions are filled in a timely manner.

He also expressed gratitude to the state government for providing financial support in developing the ICT infrastructure and urged all stakeholders to fully utilise the technology advancements so as to enhance transparency and accountability within the judicial system.

Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) chairperson justice UB Saha, justice A Bimol Singh, justice A Guneshwar Sharma, justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu, advocate general Lenin Hijam, Manipur Judicial Academy director Kh Nobin, registrar general Ojesh Mutum, Bar Council chairman S Brajabihari, High Court Bar Association president Y Nirmolchand, All Manipur Bar Association president P Tomcha Singh, senior advocates, judicial officers, and officers of the registry also attended the event.

Comment