Decide On Providing Video Conferencing Facilities To Quasi-Judicial Authorities : Karnataka High Court To State

The Karnataka High Court on Thursday directed the State Government to take a decision on providing Video Conferencing facilities to all quasi judicial authorities in the state.

A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Suraj Govindaraj said "The first and second wave of covid-19 has resulted in complete shutdown of quasi judicial bodies in the state. Now bearing in mind the principles laid down in the Disaster Management Act, all the authorities must be in a state of preparedness to deal with the situation which may be created by a possible third wave of Covid-19."

It added "Therefore it is high time that the state government takes a decision of providing proper facilities of Video Conferencing hearing to all quasi-judicial authorities in the state. Initially state can identify quasi-judicial authorities which are discharging very important functions, priority can be given to such quasi-judicial authorities of providing VC hearing facilities. All the quasi-judicial authorities shall be equipped with these facilities in a phased manner."

The court has directed the state government to make a statement by July 13, about providing VC hearing facilities to quasi-judicial authorities in the state. Further, to disclose whether any quasi-judicial authorities in the state have been provided with proper VC hearing facilities.

The court gave the direction while hearing a petition filed by one M NAGARAJ highlighting the issue of illegal construction carried out which is pending before the Assistant Commissioner under the Karnataka Land Revenue Act. The court also extended time to the Assistant Commissioner to decide the appeal till August 6, 2021.