Punjab & Haryana HC Launches Project For Digitization Of Judicial Records In Subordinate Courts

Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court, Justice Krishna Murari on Friday launched the project for digitization of judicial records in subordinate courts at 11 pilot sites in the States of Punjab and Haryana and U.T. Chandigarh.

The project is covered under Phase II of the eCourts Project of the Supreme Court of India and is receiving financial support under 14th Finance Commission, whereby funds to the tune of Rs. 25 Crores and Rs. 24.00 Crores have been allocated for the States of Punjab and Haryana, respectively.

Computer Committee of the high court, under the Chairmanship of Justice Rajesh Bindal, has shortlisted 11 Sessions Divisions— namely Ambala, Rohtak, Panipat, Kurukshetra, Hissar, Kaithal and Faridabad— as pilot sites for this project.

According to an official press release, the files of pending cases as well as disposed of cases, in which weeding process has been completed, will be covered under the process of scanning and digitization. This, it said, would make about 4 lacs sq. ft. of total area occupied by judicial records available and would save manpower engaged in handling of the files.

Talking about the progress made so far, the release said, “All the Subordinate Courts have already been provided digital signatures and presently digitally signed judgments and orders are being uploaded on National Judicial Data Grid on daily basis. Digitization of judicial record will ensure availability of e-services like e-Copy, e-Inspection, e-Diary etc. in the Subordinate Courts as are being presently provided in High Court.”

Earlier in September as well, the high court had launched a host of initiatives for the benefit of litigants. For instance, the court introduced an e-payment module, enabling litigants to pay for services such as copy of the order, inspection etc., through internet banking, debit, credit cards, prepaid cards etc.

It had also ensured that it was in the process of introducing new printing parameters providing for both side printing of the pleadings filed in court, which will result in saving about 1.50 crore papers per annum and preserving space required for storage of records.