‘Will Aid Judicial & Administrative Functioning’: Calcutta HC Announces 1000 Laptops For Judicial Officers Of WB, Andaman & Nicobar

The Calcutta High Court hosted a programme for the distribution of 1000 new laptops to the judicial officers of West Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The ceremony was presided over by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, who was joined by members of the High Court Computer Committee, Justice Tapabrata Chakroborty, Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya and Justice Debangshu Basak.

Chief Justice Sivagnanam reflected on technology’s role in the dispensation of justice, and pointed out that these laptops were a gift from the High Court to the judicial officers for the ongoing puja season, in order to aid judicial officers in discharge of their duties. He said:

“Computerisation of court has been a boon and has largely improved case disposal. The pandemic taught us a tough lesson and we had to adopt. Calcutta High Court pioneered on this aspect and effective disposal took place even during the pandemic. This lesson has come to stay with us, and the computer committee recommended one of the best laptops for the judicial officers. This is the first time such an endeavour was made by the Calcutta High Court.”

The Chief Justice pointed out that the HP laptops containing the most advanced specifications were acquired at substantial cost, and hence while they would greatly help the discharge of judicial and administrative functions by judicial officers, adequate care must be taken of them.

The laptops being handed over are much better than the ones owned by us. Now other softwares are also compatible with the laptop, which could only run Ubuntu software earlier. These laptops have been procured at substantial cost, and must be taken care of even more than your personal assets, as we are accountable for their proper upkeep. They should help discharge both judicial and administrative functions, he added.

Further addresses were delivered by Justice Tapabrata Chakroborty and Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya. Justice Chakroborty urged the officers to use the laptops in the most effective manner to improve both quality and quantity of case disposal, while taking care of them.

Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya pointed out that laptops were an important resource in acquiring knowledge and that it, as a tool of empowerment for the judicial officers would also entail them giving back to ensure that justice reaches all in [the] district and beyond.