With no basic facilities, district courts struggling to conduct hybrid hearings
- Legal proceedings in Delhi's district courts are facing hindrances due to a shortage of equipment for hybrid hearings and infrastructure.
- This is leading to judges conducting hearings on mobile phones.
Background
- A PIL was filed in 2021 addressing the need for appropriate infrastructure for smooth functioning of hybrid hearings.
- Despite the Delhi High Court issuing guidelines on hybrid hearings, deficiencies in equipment persist.
Hybrid Hearing System
- Hybrid hearings allow one party to join virtually while the other is physically present.
- The High Court directed district courts to permit any party to appear physically or via videoconferencing, but the lack of essential equipment remains a challenge.
- The deficiency includes microphones, speakers, cameras and video display units, hindering effective communication.
- Some district courts lack basic amenities like Wi-Fi, aggravating the situation.
Prelims Takeaway
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
- Hybrid Hearing System