Chaini Parwani –
Published On: October 21, 2021 at 17:30 IST
The Delhi High Court on Thursday interrogated as to how the revised estimate worth Rs. 79 crores were permitted without the participation of experts, by the Delhi Government for developing Infrastructure and other facilities for Hybrid Hearings in District Courts in Delhi.
A Bench comprising of Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Jasmeet Singh observed “We find this rather curious. Without the involvement of experts, we fail to appreciate as to how the revised estimate was prepared by PWD and put up for approval and was even approved by the finance minister.”
Further, the Court stated that although the Government should survey the proposals which include the expenditure of public money and should make an endeavour to save wherever possible, the same should be done with due application of mind keeping in view all the aspects.
The Court was hearing a Plea stating that Delhi’s Subordinate Courts and Quasi-Judicial bodies must hold Hybrid Hearings for the benefit of Counsels who suffer from co-morbidities and are unable to appear before the Court physically, due to COVID-19.
The Court asked the Registrar General of the High Court to acknowledge the revised approximation prepared by the Public Works Department and that the response should highlight whether the revised specifications are sufficient to direct proceedings in hybrid mode and that expert opinion should be considered.
Advocate Shadaan Farasat representing the Delhi Government intimated to the Court that a meeting is arranged and is to be held on October 29 with the participation of the Additional Chief Secretary and representatives of all forums.
It was therefore submitted that it will place on record the steps to initiating Hybrid Hearings in the Quasi-Judicial bodies and other forums, as per the meeting.
The Court replied, “Let the outcome of the meeting be placed in the status report.”
Further, the Court asked the Centre to present a status report in the matter.
Earlier, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it was observed by the Court that the right of access to justice has been gravely hampered.
Therefore, the Court asked the Delhi Government to take prompt steps to provide better infrastructure and other facilities for Hybrid Hearings in District Courts and Quasi-Judicial bodies.
It was interpreted that in case the mentioned proposal is rejected by the Delhi Government, it will place before the Court complete statement of expenditure incurred by it April 1, 2020, onwards, on the grant of subsidies and public advertisements.
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