Calcutta High Court Seeks Report On Existing VC Facilities At District Courts & Tribunals In State

The Calcutta High Court has recently directed the State government to apprise the Court about the steps which are taken to set up video conferencing facilities in the tribunals and forums of the State.

Furthermore, the High Court Administration was directed to procure reports from all the district courts in respect of the existing video conference facilities. 

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Rajarshi Bharadwaj observed, 

"Learned counsel for the High Court Administration is also directed to get the reports from all the district courts in respect of the existing video conference facility and the need and requirement of its further enhancement and improvement. He will place the report in tabulated form before the concerned Committee who, after examining the same, will take necessary decision to forward it with/without modifications to the State for taking steps to provide the requisite infrastructure."

The Court was adjudicating upon a petition seeking the establishment of video conferencing facilities in the district courts and the jails to avoid unnecessary expenses relating to the production of under-trials and also for the examination of expert witnesses. 

During the proceedings, Advocate General S.N Mookherjee informed the Court that so far as the central tribunals are concerned, in two central tribunals, video conferencing facilities are available. He further submitted that for State tribunals/forums, although the physical appearance of the parties/advocates has started, but the need for setting up the video conferencing facility cannot be denied.

Accordingly, the Bench granted time to the Advocate General to apprise the Court about the steps which have been taken to set up video conferencing facilities in the tribunals and forums of the State.

The matter is slated to be heard next on February 25. 

In a related development, in view of the threat of the imminent third wave of the Covid pandemic and also the alarming rise in the number of Covid affected cases, it has been notified that the Calcutta High Court shall function through virtual mode only with effect from January 3. A notice has been released to this effect under an order of the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, Justice Prakash Shrivastava. 

Case Title: Mangal Sardar v. High Court Administration and Ors

Click Here To Read/Download Order