Delhi High Court issues directions for swift implementation of Hybrid Courts project

The Delhi High Court on April 29 issued directions for the swift implementation of the Hybrid Courts project [Anil Kumar Hajelay and Ors. v High Court of Delhi].Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora passed the order following a series of deliberations and assessments concerning the revised estimate proposals and specifications presented by the Public Works Department (PWD)..The Court had in October 2021 directed its Registrar General to seek expert opinions from the relevant field. Subsequently, the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Delhi was engaged to provide expert advice..After several rounds of consultations, the NIC approved the proposed configuration for hybrid courts. However, it emphasized the need for deploying networking components, a live streaming platform and a data center and recommended covering the same in next phase of the project..The Court was informed that the office of the Principal Secretary (Law, Justice & LA) of the Delhi government, through its reports, stated that a preliminary estimate dated April 19, 2024, amounting to ₹387 crores was sent to seek exemption from the Model Code of Conduct from the Election Commission of India (ECI), considering the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections in the country. As soon as the request for relaxation is approved by the ECI, the modified preliminary estimate will be promptly processed and presented before the competent authority to obtain administrative approval and expenditure sanction, the report added..Acknowledging the urgency of the matter, advocate Dr Amit George, representing the Delhi High Court, highlighted the necessity to expedite the project, especially considering recent mandates making hybrid hearings and e-filing compulsory in district courts..Joint Registrar (J) (CPC) for Registrar General Abhilash Malhotra emphasized that the networking infrastructure, data center and live streaming platform are integral components of the project. He stressed the importance of robust networking for optimal utilization of ICT equipment and underscored the significance of a dedicated live streaming platform for compliance with regulations..In response, the court issued the following directives:GNCTD is instructed to expedite financial sanctions for all 691 courts, as per the preliminary estimate dated April 19, 2024, amounting to Rs. 387,03,19,388, as approved by NIC.Two pilot courts are to be established initially in each district, with further implementation contingent upon satisfactory performance.PWD/Delhi government must submit a preliminary estimate regarding networking, live streaming platform, and data center components, ensuring the optimal use of ICT equipment in the first phase.A status report on the implementation of these directives is to be filed on July 16, 2024..[Read Order]