Madhya Pradesh Becomes The First State To Introduce VC Facility At All Subordinate Courts

The High Court of Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur, has become the first state to introduce a video conferencing facility and other audio-visual electronics linkages at both High Court and District Court levels. It has been introduced to hear the cases and the recording of evidence of witnesses unable to attend the Court. The initiative has been introduced to make the process more user-friendly, intending to avoid delay in judicial proceedings due to the non-availability of parties, counsels, witnesses and accused unable to physically attend the Court.

The High Court has employed video conferencing, an integrated web technology, to ensure speedy trial and speedy justice. It also prepared and notified 'The High Court of Madhya Pradesh Video Conferencing and Audio-Visual Electronic Linkage Rules, 2020' based on model rules for Video Conferencing for Courts forwarded by the Supreme Court. The rules lay down in detail the general principles, facilities recommended for video conferencing, preperatiry arrangement and the procedure to be followed while video conferencing. It also notifies the manner of conduct of advocates and parties at the time of video conferencing, including remaining attentive, keeping cell phones switched off, microphones muted and in the attire appropriate to the dignity of the proceedings.

The State is the first to introduce video conferencing facilities to all District Hospitals, Juvenile Justice Boards, Railway Courts and Family Courts. The Subordinate Courts of Madhya Pradesh also notified the rules in this regard vide "The District Courts of Madhya Pradesh Video Conferencing and Audio-Visual Electronic Linkage Rules, 2020".

As of July 15, 2021, a total of 1864 VC systems have been purchased and installed at Districts, Tehsil Courts, Central Jails/ District Jails/Sub Jails, District Hospitals, Railway Courts & Juvenile Justice Boards. All the District Court complexes have a Video Conferencing facility with Central Jails/District Jails/Sub-Jails facilitating transactions of judicial business as regards recording of evidence, judicial remand, and speed-up the trial. The video conferencing is made available with District Hospitals for recording evidence of Doctors from District Hospital itself. The press note reads,

"This arrangement may reduce the burden on Doctors of travelling and will also help the Police/Jail Staff in ensuring security and safety of prisoners."

Till June 30, 2021, amidst the lockdown, the High Court of Madhya Pradesh had conducted approx 3,61,164 VC while the District Judiciary conducted approx 527906 number of VC. In addition, the High Court has issued a Work Order regarding the purchase of 80 Video Conferencing units for District and Tehsil Court Complexes to further strengthen the video conferencing system.

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