The Delhi High Court has taken a firm stance against the Delhi government’s failure to expedite the installation of technology crucial for hybrid hearings across the city’s district courts. In a case stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, senior advocates petitioned for virtual hearing options to protect vulnerable individuals. However, despite repeated court orders, progress has stalled.
A bench led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela expressed severe discontent, criticizing the sluggish response from key government departments. In its September 30 order, the court noted that despite clear mandates, the Planning and Finance Departments had yet to take appropriate action. The judges warned of summoning top officials if the situation is not rectified within two weeks.
“We will not tolerate this kind of negligence from the bureaucracy,” the court sternly stated. It emphasized the importance of swiftly installing information and computer technology (ICT) equipment in the city’s 691 district courts to enable hybrid proceedings. The government has assured the court of its commitment but has yet to follow through.
The next hearing is scheduled for October 24, where government officials may be held accountable if they fail to act.
