E-Courts Render Demand for Permanent Bench of Orissa High Court Irrelevant: Law Minister

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal asserts that the introduction of e-court facilities eliminates the need for a permanent bench of the Orissa High Court in the states western region. E-courts offer the same services as a permanent bench, negating the demand.

In a significant statement, Union Law & Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal asserted that the demand for establishing a permanent bench of the Orissa High Court in the state's western region has diminished with the introduction of e-court facilities. Meghwal made these remarks on the sidelines of a function in Bhubaneswar, emphasizing that e-courts will provide the same level of services as a permanent bench of the high court.

Clarification from the Ministry

To provide clarity on the matter, the Ministry of Law and Justice issued a clarification note. The note stated that Meghwal's intention was to convey that the availability of Virtual Benches under the e-Courts Project eliminates the need for separate permanent benches of the Orissa High Court. However, the central government is yet to receive a comprehensive proposal from the Odisha government, along with the consent of the Chief Justice of Orissa High Court, for establishing such permanent benches as recommended by a Commission.

Long-Standing Demand

The establishment of a permanent bench of the Orissa High Court has been a persistent demand from lawyers in the state's western region. Lawyers have resorted to strikes on several occasions in the past to press for this demand.

Advantages of E-Courts

Meghwal highlighted the advancements in e-court facilities and expressed his belief that setting up a permanent bench may not be as crucial. He explained that e-courts offer the same facilities as a permanent bench, making them a viable alternative. The e-Courts project aims to provide an efficient, time-bound, litigant-centric, affordable, accessible, and accountable justice delivery system. Centralized portals for district courts, subordinate courts, and high courts provide citizens with information about cases, orders, and judgments.

Requirements for Permanent Bench

The union minister also outlined the necessary steps for establishing a permanent bench of the high court. Recommendations from the Chief Minister, Chief Justice of the respective state, and subsequently the Chief Justice of India are essential for this process. Additionally, the state government must provide infrastructural facilities for establishing a bench of the high court away from its principal seat, as well as bear the entire expenditure of the high court and its bench.

Support from BJD Leader

Senior BJD leader and former minister Prasanna Acharya expressed his support for the demand for a permanent bench of the Orissa High Court in the western region. He emphasized the long-standing nature of this demand and expressed hope that the central government would fulfill the aspirations of the people of western Odisha.

Western Odisha Districts

Western Odisha comprises 10 districts: Bargarh, Bolangir, Boudh, Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Sambalpur, Subarnapur, Sundargarh, and Athmallik sub-division of Angul district.

Supreme Court's Observation

In December 2022, the Supreme Court observed that there was no justification for establishing a bench of the high court in view of the widespread use of technology in the functioning of courts.

The introduction of e-court facilities has significantly transformed the landscape of the judicial system in India. With the availability of virtual benches and efficient online services, the demand for establishing permanent benches of high courts may need to be re-evaluated. The focus should be on leveraging technology to enhance accessibility, affordability, and efficiency in delivering justice to citizens across the country.