New Delhi: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court Wednesday highlighted the importance of “e-connectivity” for the courts during the Covid-19 lockdown.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Rajnesh Oswal observed, “Be that as it may, the availability of e-connectivity to the courts is an issue of ensuring access to justice to the citizens. This is a fundamental right and cannot be impeded in any manner.”
“In the current times of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant restrictions, no court can discharge essential judicial functions if there is non- availability of e-connectivity,” it added.
The court was hearing several applications on the lockdown situation in the Union Territory and addressed several issues ranging from supply of PPEs to doctors and safety of healthcare professions, to difficulties being faced by stray cattle and animals.
HC directs BSNL to install internet equipment in Udhampur court
During the hearing, the court was informed of the burning of a converter and router installed at a judicial magistrate first class court in Udhampur. While initially the court was informed that the equipment got burnt because of the court authorities, the bench, however, took note of a report filed by the IT Registrar blaming BSNL officials for the faulty connection.
Asserting that this was an attempt to pin the blame on court officials, the bench observed, “We have no manner of doubt that installation of the above equipment, which would include the converter and router stands undertaken by the BSNL and its officials. None of the court officers would have a capacity or the technical knowledge to do so. It would appear that the fault is attempted to be unreasonably fastened on court authorities without application of mind.”
The court therefore directed BSNL to install the converter and router in the Udhampur court, and also asked for a fresh report on the status of providing e-connectivity to courts in the UTs from BSNL.
It further noted that BSNL had sent a letter to the Department of Justice in November last year, on the need for VSAT facilities for 10 sites. However, no response had been received so far.
The court therefore asked the Secretary of the Department of Justice to look into this urgently and do the needful before the next date of hearing, which is on 10 June.
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