Kriti Agrawal
The Supreme Court of India launched a mobile application that will enable journalists to cover virtual proceedings without having to visit Court premises.
At a virtual case, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana launched the mobile application. Justices DY Chandrachud and AM Khanwilkar, who are recovering from covid-19 and Justice Hemant Gupta, joined him.
CJI Ramana said in his speech that the Judges were told that journalists were relying on advocates to get ties to hearings.
The Chief Justice said, “The media faces significant obstacles when it comes to news. For a short period of time, I worked as a journalist. We didn’t have a car or bikes at the time. As a result, I, too, faced difficulties as a journalist.”
The Chief Justice also cautioned that minor issues can occur during the early stages of this technological journey. He expressed hope that the system would be given the necessary time to develop.
CJI also said, “Errors should not be exaggerated excessively. We are also implementing an indicative mode that will summarize landmark decisions.”
Justice Chandrachud went on to say that all six people who worked on the app tested positive for covid-19.
Justice Khanwilkar also hinted that the app might become a permanent fixture in the Supreme Court.
CJI Ramana also said that he would seriously consider live streaming of Court proceedings in certain cases. However, before making such a decision, the CJI would seek consensus from all of the Supreme Court’s Judges.
He also mentioned that someone would be named to serve as a liaison between the media and the Supreme Court.
