Madras High Court inches closer to paperless system

This process, while aiming at nationwide uniformity on certain core procedures like filing, registration, listing and adjudication, also offers the liberty to high courts to design their own software mechanism for peripheral areas such as process service, issuance of certified copies and accounts compatible with the core version. 

The vastly improved core version 1.0 has paved way for a mobile app, which can be downloaded from Google Play store. The app enables a user to receive alerts about their cases listed for the day and other facilities such as checking the display board about the cases in progress in every court and going through daily orders and judgments. The technological transition has also helped litigants to keep a tab on their case information literally through their mobile phones 24X7. 

However, HC Registrar General C Kumarappan, when asked about the glitches present, said, “The facility is up and running and improvisation is the order of the day. As of now, alerts for all fresh and recent cases are being offered and the process has augured well in the run up to achieving the ultimate target of establishing paperless courts, especially with the digitisation of old classified records in progress.” 

But skepticism also prevails over the speed at which the system works. 

Many say that the aspect of daily orders is a classic example, wherein it usually takes a minimum of two to three days before the order is uploaded, while many orders never get into the system. Interestingly, Justice SM Subramaniam, on realising the delay in obtaining certified copies of court orders, had directed the Registry to upload its orders and judgments immediately after the judges sign them. 

While the mobile app as of now has less takers especially with internet connectivity within the High Court being an issue, advocate Richard Wilson said, “I have been getting alerts about the cases listed via email and SMS, but not many have been overly impressed by the app. But in time to come, there is ample scope that it will soon catch the imagination of tech savvy advocates.”